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a) No.
All sites providing progestin-only injectable contraceptives should consistently follow basic infection prevention measures, including:
- aseptic technique (including cleaning of the progestin-only injection site);
- sterile needles and syringes (single use, disposable needles/syringes are preferred);
- if sterilization of reusable needles/syringes is impossible, decontamination with bleach followed by high-level disinfection - if correctly executed - may be used; and
- safe disposal of single-use needles/syringes.
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a) Because injecting a steroid contraceptive, such as Depo Provera®, penetrates the protective skin barrier, careful aseptic technique must be followed to prevent infection. One type of infection associated with this procedure is an injection abscess, commonly caused by normal skin flora (staph and strep). Thorough skin preparation done before the progestin-only injection will remove most microorganisms from the client's skin which helps prevent cellulitis (skin infection) and abscess formation at the injection site.
Another concern is the increasing problem of transmission of hepatitis B and AIDS viruses to clients, health care providers and clinic staff, especially cleaning and housekeeping personnel. To minimize this risk, whenever possible, single-use (disposable) needles and syringes should be used. If reusable needles and syringes are used, they should be decontaminated immediately after use by soaking in 0.5% chlorine solution or other locally available and approved disinfectant. These practices, when combined with the proper disposal of single-use needles and syringes, protect clinic staff, especially cleaning and housekeeping personnel, from contracting hepatitis B or AIDS following accidental needlesticks. Following decontamination, reusable needles and syringes should be thoroughly cleaned and finally sterilized or high-level disinfected.
- Tietjen L, Cronin W, McIntosh N. Infection Prevention for Family Planning Service Programs: A Problem-Solving Reference Manual. Durant, OK, Essential Medical Information Systems, Inc., 1992, p 181.
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