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

Authors

  • Raphael Anthony Samuel University of Kwazulu-Natal
  • Pragasan Dean Gopalan University of Kwazulu-Natal
  • Yacoob Coovadia Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
  • Reshmi Samuel Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

Keywords:

Reuse syringes, reuse vials, unsafe injection, infection control, anaesthesia

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. Method: All hospitals that are classified as regional, tertiary and central hospitals on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website were visited. All encountered anaesthetists, regardless of rank or experience, were invited to complete a simple questionnaire in confidence. Results: Ninety-one anaesthesiologists and anaesthetic practitioners completed the questionnaire. Thirteen (14%) of the anaesthetists admitted to reusing syringes on different patients. Seventeen (19%) of the anaesthetists admitted to reusing syringes on different patients after they had changed the needle or set. Fifty-seven (63%) practitioners acknowledged reusing single-use fentanyl ampoules for multiple patients. Conclusion: The reuse of single-use syringes and single-use vials for multiple patients is an unacceptable practice. This issue should be urgently addressed.

Author Biographies

Raphael Anthony Samuel, University of Kwazulu-Natal

MBChB, DA(SA), FCA(SA) Specialist Anaesthesiologist and Lecturer Department of Anaesthesiology King Edward VIII Hospital; Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine University of KwaZulu-Natal

Pragasan Dean Gopalan, University of Kwazulu-Natal

MBChB, FCA(SA), CritCare(SA) Head of Department Department of Anaesthesiology Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine University of KwaZulu-Natal

Yacoob Coovadia, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

MBChB, FCPath(Micro)(SA) Specialist Microbiologist Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

Reshmi Samuel, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

MBChB, DipHIVMan, FCPath(Viro)(SA) Specialist Virologist Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

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Published

2012-10-29

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Original Research

License

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