Biodefense Solutions

Needle Preparation & Instructions for Use

BD™ Bifurcated Needle

Vaccination Guidlines: *

	Vial Administration: Remove seal from vial. Gloves should be worn. Place BD™ Bifurcated Needle into vial of reconstituted vaccine. On withdrawal, a droplet of vaccine is contained between tines.
	Skin Application: Hold needle at 90° angle to the skin to administer vaccine droplet. Apply multiple-puncture technique (~ 15 strokes). Confirm visual trace of blood. Wipe off any remaining vaccine with sterile gauze. Apply appropriate dressing.

The skin over the insertion of the deltoid muscle or the posterior aspect of the arm over the triceps muscle are the preferred sites for smallpox vaccination. Alcohol or other chemical agents are not required for skin preparation for vaccination unless the area is grossly contaminated. If alcohol is used, the skin must be allowed to dry thoroughly to prevent inactivation of the vaccine by the alcohol.

The multiple-puncture technique uses a presterilized BD™ Bifurcated Needle that is inserted vertically into the vaccine vial, causing a droplet of vaccine to adhere between the prongs of the needle. The droplet contains the recommended dosage of vaccine, and its presence within the prongs of the BD™ Bifurcated Needle should be confirmed visually.

Holding the BD™ Bifurcated Needle perpendicular to the skin, 15 punctures are rapidly made with strokes vigorous enough to allow a trace of blood to appear after 15-20 seconds.

Any remaining vaccine should be wiped off with dry sterile gauze and the gauze disposed of along with the BD™ Bifurcated Needle in a biohazard waste container.

*Vaccination guidelines adapted from WHO, CDC and ACIP/Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices. Always administer vaccine according to instructions of vaccine manufacturer and/or recognized clinical organizations.

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