Many vaccine preparations come in pre-filled syringes and no reconstitution is required. However, Meningitis, Rabies and Yellow fever all need reconstitution. The steps this entails are as follows:
- Remove the items from the packaging - two needles, pre-filled syringe containing the solvent and reconstitution vial containing a powder.
- Transfer the solvent to the vial - using a spare needle (i.e. the one you will not use on the patient) carefully inject the solvent into ampoule containing the solid.
- Shake vigorously - make sure the solid is completely dissolved by the solvent and there is not particulate matter.
- Withdraw the solution with the same needle - once the complete solution has been withdrawn back into the barrel of the syringe the needle should be changed.
- Change the needle and expel the air - once this is complete you are ready to inject!
The picture below illustrates the overuse of a needle. If the needle is not changed during the process above the needle will become blunt (increasing patient discomfort) and also could increase the risk of a latex allergy.
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| Overuse of needles |
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