Step 5: Review sterile technique > Infusing Factor > Treatment and Care Options > HoG Handbook

Step 5: Review sterile technique

You must use sterile technique when you mix the factor and when you inject it. Anything touching the factor must be sterile. Everything else needs to be kept clean. Learn this chart!

Before you begin and after you finish, wash your area with rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, a product labeled “disinfectant,” or chlorine bleach.
Protect your work surface. One useful way is to cover the surface with a large plastic trash bag. The bag will work as a barrier to keep your equipment clean. It will also keep spills from soaking into the table.
Wash your hands and arms with soap and water before you mix the factor, before you infuse it, and after you have finished treatment.
Use each needle and syringe one time only.
Keep the plastic caps on needles and syringes whenever possible.
Dispose of used equipment properly.

Cautions:

Never touch the rubber stoppers on the bottles after you have cleaned them. If you do, clean them again.
Do not blow on the rubber stoppers or the injection site to dry them. If you do, clean them again.
Do not touch the injection site after you have swabbed it with the alcohol pad. If you do, swab it again.
Do not open needle or syringe packages until it is time to use them.
Do not touch the tips of needles, syringes, or tubing or allow them to touch other things. If you do, put it in the sharps container and start over with a new one. If the outside wrappings of the needles or syringes are wet, they are no longer sterile. Do not use them.

Wear a new pair of disposable gloves each time you help with an infusion.
Wash your hands with soap and water before you mix the factor, before you infuse it, and after treatment is finished.
Avoid touching your face with your hands. Blood might carry an infection.
If you are helping with an infusion and are pricked with a used needle, wash the wound with soap and water. Call your doctor right away.