Safe Injection Practices Checklist

Use single-use syringes and needles only; do not reuse

One syringe and needle per patient; never reuse parts between patients.

Check expiry date and integrity of vials, syringes, and needles before use

Discard if expired, seal broken, or container looks compromised.

Perform hand hygiene before preparing or giving injections

Wash with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub.

Inspect syringe and needle for damage or contamination

Discard if needle is bent, dull, or packaging was opened.

Clean the injection site with an appropriate antiseptic and allow it to dry

Use an alcohol swab and wait until the skin is dry to reduce contamination.

Prepare medication using aseptic technique; avoid touching the needle or vial top

Work on a clean surface and minimize handling of sterile parts.

Verify correct drug, dose, and patient identity before drawing

Check labels and patient ID band aloud when possible.

Reconstitute powders by adding the correct sterile diluent slowly

Use a sterile syringe and follow product instructions for volume and technique.

Mix reconstituted medication by gentle inversion; do not shake vigorously

Gentle mixing prevents foam and preserves correct dosage.

Use a new syringe and needle for each injection and for each vial entry

Never reuse a syringe or needle even for the same patient.

Use single-dose vials whenever possible; limit multi-dose vial use

Single-dose vials reduce cross-contamination risk.

Label multi-dose vials with first-opened date and discard after recommended time

Follow manufacturer or facility policy for time limits after opening.

Store and handle medications and vials in a clean, temperature-controlled area

Rotate stock so older items are used first and monitor temperatures.

Use safety-engineered devices when available to reduce needlestick risk

Choose devices with built-in guards or retracting needles.

Dispose of used needles and sharps immediately into a puncture-resistant sharps container

Keep the container within arm's reach and upright while working.

Avoid hand recapping; if recapping is unavoidable, use one-handed scoop or safety device

Recapping by hand greatly increases needlestick risk.

Keep sharps containers below the fill line and replace when near capacity

Overfilled containers pose a puncture and spill hazard.

If a needlestick or body-fluid exposure occurs, act immediately

Quick action reduces the risk of infection after exposure.

Wash exposed skin with soap and water; flush eyes or mouth with water

Do this right away before further steps.

Report the exposure to your supervisor or occupational health right away

Reporting starts the record and care pathway; do it even for minor exposures.

Seek prompt medical evaluation for baseline testing and possible post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Early assessment improves PEP effectiveness when indicated.

Document each injection: medication, dose, lot number, site, and patient details

Accurate records support traceability and follow-up if needed.

Maintain current training on injection safety, exposure management, and PEP protocols

Regular refreshers help staff stay prepared and compliant.