ASORN recommended practice: use of multi-dose medications.

In compliance with standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, the preferred practice for ophthalmic medication administration is single-use/single-patient medications. However, many medications are available only in multi-dose form. Medications labeled as multi-dose may be used for more than one patient if, and only if, sterile technique, safe injection practices, and standard precautions are followed. Drug shortage or cost savings are never reasons to reuse single-use medications on multiple patients. Any medication labeled as single-use must be discarded immediately after use on a single patient. As always, patient safety and quality of care must come first when caring for the ophthalmic patient.