Preventing infection from injections requires strict adherence to sterile practices. The most important step is to always use new, sterile needles and equipment each time an injection is performed. Reusing needles or other equipment, even on the same person, significantly increases the risk of infection.
Key Practices for Preventing Injection Infections
Here’s a breakdown of crucial steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Use New Needles | Always use a brand-new, sterile needle for each injection. Never reuse needles, even for yourself. |
| New Equipment | Utilize new, sterile equipment for each injection, including cookers, cottons, ties, and alcohol swabs. This includes using a new syringe even if you replace the needle. |
| Proper Disposal | After use, immediately and safely dispose of needles and syringes in a sharps container. |
Why These Steps Are Crucial
- Preventing Bloodborne Infections: Reusing needles can transmit bloodborne infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
- Reducing Bacterial Infections: Using sterile equipment minimizes the introduction of bacteria into the body, reducing the risk of local infections or more serious systemic infections.
- Avoiding Skin Infections: Following sterile procedures reduces the chance of skin abscesses, cellulitis, and other injection-related skin issues.
Important Considerations
- Alcohol Swabs: Always use alcohol swabs to clean the injection site before administering the injection.
- Single-Use Items: Remember that all items used during the injection process are designed for single-use only.
Summary of Preventative Measures
To recap, to prevent infection from injections you must:
- Use new, sterile needles for each injection.
- Use new, sterile equipment for each injection.
- Do not reuse any injection supplies.
By following these critical steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection.
