APIC Releases Updated Position Paper on Safe Injection and Medication Practices

Strategic Insights -

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released an updated position paper titled "Safe Injection, Infusion, Medication Vial, and Point-of-Care Testing Practices in Healthcare," which builds upon the 2016 position paper and reflects advancements in science and updated regulatory standards. The paper addresses growing evidence of ongoing pathogen transmission through unsafe injection and medication preparation practices, leading to several reported outbreaks of viral hepatitis across various healthcare settings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The updated position paper outlines practical, evidence-based recommendations for infection preventionists, clinical staff, and healthcare leaders to standardize practices across care environments.
  • Documented outbreaks have occurred due to inadequate aseptic technique, medication preparation in unclean environments, and misuse of vials and injection equipment.
  • The paper responds to growing evidence of ongoing pathogen transmission through unsafe injection and medication preparation practices, causing several reported outbreaks of viral hepatitis.
  • The APIC President, Carol McLay, emphasizes that "every patient deserves safe care, and that begins with safe injection and medication practices."
  • The updated position paper offers clear, actionable recommendations to help healthcare organizations close longstanding gaps in practice and ensure their teams are fully equipped to protect patients and themselves from preventable infections.
  • APIC has collected questions for the authors' review and will release an FAQ document on a quarterly schedule to address inquiries.
  • The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is committed to transparency and engagement, and is working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection.
  • The updated position paper reflects advancements in science, updated regulatory standards, and ongoing infection prevention challenges across all healthcare settings.
  • APIC is grateful to several organizations and agencies for supporting this updated position statement, including the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), Association for Vascular Access (AVA), Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), The Infusion Nurses Society (INS), and The Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

Statistics:

  • More than 15,000 members are part of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
  • APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future.
  • APIC is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists.
  • The Association was founded in 1972.
  • The updated position paper reflects advancements in science and updated regulatory standards, and responds to growing evidence of ongoing pathogen transmission through unsafe injection and medication preparation practices.

Sources:

  • Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). (2025). Safe Injection, Infusion, Medication Vial, and Point-of-Care Testing Practices in Healthcare.
  • American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC).
  • American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN).
  • Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
  • Association for Vascular Access (AVA).
  • Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).
  • The Infusion Nurses Society (INS).
  • The Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).