FRIDAY, Jan. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Due to a growing number of
reports about improper use of insulin pens, the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention has issued a reminder that the
devices must never be used on more than one person.
Using insulin pens on more than one person puts people at risk
for infection with blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis viruses
and HIV, which causes AIDS, the agency warns. Infection can occur
even if an insulin pen's needle is changed.
Insulin pens are injector devices that contain a reservoir for
insulin or an insulin cartridge. They're designed to enable
patients to self-inject insulin and are intended for single-person
use.
Reports of improper use of insulin pens in hospitals led the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009 to issue an alert for
health care professionals to remind them that insulin pens are for
use on a single patient only. Despite the alert, there have been
continuing reports of patients put at risk through inappropriate
reuse and sharing of insulin pens, including an incident last year
that required notification of more than 2,000 potentially exposed
patients, the CDC said.
In the new clinical reminder, the CDC says:
- Insulin pens containing multiple doses of insulin are meant for
use on a single patient only, and should never be used for more
than one person, even when the needle is changed.
- Insulin pens should be clearly labeled with the patient's name
or other identifying information to ensure that the correct insulin
pen is used only on the correct patient.
- Hospitals and other facilities should review their policies and
educate staff regarding safe use of insulin pens and similar
devices.
- If re-use of an insulin pen occurs, exposed patients should
receive immediate notification and be offered appropriate
follow-up, including blood-borne pathogen testing.
The recommendations apply to any setting where insulin pens are
used, including health care facilities, assisted living or
residential care facilities, health fairs, shelters, detention
centers, senior centers, schools and camps, the CDC said.
More information
The American Diabetes Association offers an overview of
insulin routines.