Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Injection and intravenous fluid administration are among the most frequently performed invasive procedures in healthcare facilities.However, unsafe injection practices continue to be reported, including the reuse of syringes and needles, administration of single-dose vial medications to multiple patients, failure of aseptic technique, improper replacement of intravenous administration sets, and sharing of point-of-care testing equipment.Consequently, outbreaks caused by a diverse array of pathogens, including hepatitis B and C viruses, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and various bacteria and fungi, have occurred domestically and internationally.This review aimed to summarize by pathogen the major domestic and international outbreaks associated with unsafe injection practices, analyze the modes of contamination and mechanisms of transmission, and provide recommendations for safe injection practices to prevent future incidents.Adherence to the "One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time" principle, proper handling of single-and multi-dose vials, education and surveillance in aseptic technique, and supportive institutional and policy measures are key strategies to prevent outbreaks caused by unsafe injection practices.
Authors: Ji-Hee Kim, Chung-Jong Kim
Institutions: Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166680988
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