Another source of infection transmission is the delivery of parenteral medications and IV insertion. Single-dose vials, ampules or cartridges may be package for single-dose or multidose use. In the dental practice, dental anesthesia is commonly delivered via single-dose cartridges. Single-dose packaging is intended for use on a single patient. Preservatives and bacteriostatic agents are usually incorporated into the solution and may be used for more than one patient. Obviously the risk for transmission is greater with multidose packaging although contamination of the solution can also occur in single-dose packages.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Aseptic Technique for Parenteral Medications
1. Do not administer medication from a syringe to multiple patients, even if the needle on the syringe is changed.
2. Use single-dose vials for parenteral medications when possible.
3. Do not combine the leftover contents of single-use vials for later use.
4. Use fluid infusion and administration sets for one patient only and dispose of properly.
5. Medication vials, syringes or supplies should not be carried in uniform or clothing pockets.
6. The following apply if multidose vials are used:
a. Cleanse the access diaphragm with 70% alcohol before inserting a device into
the vial.
b. Use a sterile device to access a multiple-dose vial and avoid touching the access
diaphragm. Both the needle and syringe used to access the multidose vial should
be sterile. Do not reuse a syringe even if the needle is changed.
c. Keep multidose vials away from the immediate patient treatment area to prevent
inadvertent contamination by spray or spatter.
d. Discard the multidose vial if sterility is compromised.