Infection control in anaesthesia in regional, tertiary and central hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Part 1: Unsafe injection practices among anaesthetists

Abstract

Objectives: Unsafe injection and vial usage practices, including the reuse of needles and syringes for different patients, is one of the leading causes of the iatrogenic spread of blood-borne diseases. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of the reuse of single-patient syringes and spinal fentanyl ampoules among anaesthetists at regional, tertiary and central hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.