What are some of the incorrect practices that have resulted in transmission of pathogens?
Practices that have resulted in transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV) include the following: • Using the same syringe to administer medication to more than one patient, even if the needle was changed; • Using the same medication vial for more than one patient, and accessing the vial with a syringe that has already been used to administer medication to a patient; • Using a common bag of saline or other IV fluid for more than one patient, and accessing the bag with a syringe that has already been used to flush a patient’s catheter.
