Single-dose vials (SDVs) are containers of liquid medication designed for a single use per patient. They are intended for parenteral administration, meaning they are given by injection or infusion. While the question of reusing these vials is common, their design dictates strict one-time use for patient safety, preventing complications from improper handling or reuse.
What Single-Dose Vials Are
Single-dose vials are manufactured to contain medication for one patient and one procedure. A defining characteristic is their typical lack of antimicrobial preservatives, which inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Multi-dose vials, in contrast, usually contain such preservatives, allowing them to be used for multiple doses over a specified period. The absence of these preservatives makes them susceptible to microbial contamination once the vial’s seal is broken.
These vials are filled and sealed in highly controlled, sterile environments to ensure the medication remains free from contaminants until opened. Once the vial is accessed, the sterile barrier is compromised. Even if only a small amount of medication is withdrawn, the remaining contents are no longer considered sterile. This vulnerability means they are for single use, regardless of the volume.
Why Reusing Poses Risks
Reusing a single-dose vial presents significant health risks, primarily due to microbial contamination. Once the vial’s seal is punctured, the contents become vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and fungi from the environment or improper handling. This contamination can lead to serious infections, documented in various outbreaks. Even with careful cleaning, contamination risk persists because vial exteriors are not sterile.
Without antimicrobial preservatives, microorganisms can multiply rapidly if introduced, leading to bacterial or fungal growth within the vial and increasing infection likelihood with subsequent uses. Opening a vial can also expose medication to air, potentially reducing drug efficacy or causing chemical degradation over time.
Guidance from Health Authorities
Leading health organizations universally advise against reusing single-dose vials to ensure patient safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize their one-time, single-patient design. Their guidelines explicitly state that “single dose” or “single use” medications must only be used once.
The FDA requires manufacturers to clearly label these vials as “single-dose” or “single-use.” This labeling directs healthcare providers on product use. The CDC highlights numerous infection outbreaks linked to inappropriate reuse. These authorities consistently reinforce that even if a single-dose vial contains more medication than needed, it should not be saved or used for another patient.
Safe Handling and Disposal
After a single-dose vial has been accessed, any remaining medication must be discarded immediately. This practice prevents accidental reuse of compromised medication and minimizes infection risk. Never save, refrigerate, or attempt to sterilize and reuse the contents of an opened single-dose vial.
Proper disposal methods are essential to prevent injury and environmental contamination. Vials, especially those with attached needles, should be placed in a sharps container. Glass vials, even without needles, should be handled with care to prevent breakage and injury. Following manufacturer guidelines and local regulations for medical waste disposal ensures safe and compliant disposal.