Don't Share Insulin Pens Between Patients
FDA is reminding health care professionals not to use a single insulin pen and cartridge on more than one patient. Even if needles are changed between patients, reusing these products on multiple patients may transmit blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis or HIV between patients. Insulin pens are injector devices that contain either an insulin reservoir or an insulin cartridge, usually with enough insulin for several doses. More than 2000 diabetic patients in two hospitals may have recently been put at risk of infection when insulin pens were used for more than one patient. Although staff changed the pen's disposable needle between patients, the pen itself was reused. Patients who were exposed to the shared insulin pens are being contacted and offered testing for hepatitis and HIV. Some of the patients have reportedly tested positive for hepatitis C, although it is not known whether the pens were responsible for transmitting the virus. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices points out that air bubbles and pathogenic contaminants can enter the cartridge after injection while the needle is still attached to the pen. ISMP cites studies showing that up to half of all insulin pen cartridges are contaminated after being re-used, and warns that facilities shouldn't assume that everyone understands the importance of following the "one pen, one patient" practice. Here are some of FDA's recommendations for the safe use of insulin pens. • Remember that insulin pens containing ...
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