NAC449.999444. Program required to include policies and procedures for single-dose vials and multidose vials.

     1. Each program for the prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases must include policies and procedures for single-dose vials which provide that a single-dose vial may be accessed only by using an aseptic technique. The policies and procedures must provide that:

     (a) Each injection of a medication from a single-dose vial must be prepared in a clean, designated area where contamination by blood or bodily fluid is unlikely to occur;

     (b) The medication in a single-dose vial must not be used for more than one patient;

     (c) A single-dose vial, including any remaining medication in the vial after its use, must be discarded; and

     (d) Any remaining medication in a single-dose vial after its use must not be combined with any other medication or otherwise used for any other patients.

     2. Each program for the prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases must include policies and procedures for multidose vials which provide that a multidose vial may be accessed only by using an aseptic technique. The policies and procedures must provide that:

     (a) The cap of a multidose vial must be cleaned with an alcohol-based wipe before the vial is accessed;

     (b) A new sterile needle and new sterile syringe must be used each time to access a multidose vial;

     (c) Upon first access of a multidose vial, the person who accessed the vial shall date and initial the vial;

     (d) Each injection of a medication from a multidose vial must be prepared in a clean, designated area where contamination by blood or bodily fluid is unlikely to occur;

     (e) A needle must not be left inserted in the cap of a multidose vial after its use; and

     (f) A multidose vial must be discarded when the medication in the vial has expired or 28 days after the vial was initially accessed.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R179-09, eff. 7-22-2010)