To limit contamination, single-dose injectable (parenteral) medications should be:

Single-dose injectable medications are specifically designed for use in a single patient at a single time, which is why it is critical to discard any leftover contents after administration. This practice helps to minimize the risk of contamination and the potential transmission of infectious diseases. By discarding these medications after each use, healthcare providers ensure that the integrity of the drug is maintained and that it is not exposed to external contaminants or pathogens that may compromise patient safety.

While the context of storage conditions for medications is important, storing single-dose injectables at room temperature or in a refrigerator does not address the key issue of preventing contamination between patients. Reusing these medications for multiple patients would significantly increase the risk of cross-contamination and infection. Hence, discarding them after each use is the best practice for ensuring safety and compliance with infection control protocols.