Description

Proper alcohol swab use is important to help prevent other health complications that may result from not cleaning the skin before injection, such as skin and soft-tissue abscesses and other bacterial infections. Although cleaning the skin with soap and water is effective, people who inject drugs in community settings may not have access to soap and clean water. Distributing sterile alcohol swabs is an important way for NSPs to reduce the risks associated with sharing or reusing alcohol swabs and the risks associated with not cleaning the skin. NSP clients should also be reminded that alcohol swabs are to be used on the skin before injection only; clean, dry, and absorbent pads should be used to stop blood flow after injection.