APIC updates guidance on safe injection practices

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology updated its evidence-based guidance for health care professionals to support safe injection, infusion, medication vial and point-of-care testing practices in health care settings. The APIC also updated information on infectious outbreaks and infection risks related to unsafe injection, infusion and point-of-care testing in health care. Since 2015, 22 published outbreaks associated with unsafe injection, infusion or medication vial practices in the U.S. were reported, affecting more than 200 patients. The new recommendations cover intravenous contrast injection, ampules, drug diversion and personal protective equipment. The recommendations will enable health care leaders to support the development of policies, guidelines and measurement tools to evaluate compliance and ensure safe practices. (American Journal of Infection Control article, 5/12/25)