Preventing Unsafe Injection Practices

Safe Injection Practices are a set of recommendations within Standard Precautions, which are the foundation for preventing transmission of infections during patient care in all healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory care, home care and hospice. The most recent guideline outlining Standard Precautions is the Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007.

• Complete Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007 [PDF – 3.80 MB]
• Excerpt: Safe Injection Practices to Prevent Transmission of Infections to Patients

CDC Clinical Reminders

• Insulin Pens Must Never Be Used for More than One Person
• Spinal Injection Procedures Performed without a Facemask Pose Risk for Bacterial Meningitis
• Use of Fingerstick Devices on More than One Person Poses Risk for Transmitting Bloodborne Pathogens