Spuitkamer

Spuitkamer (literally “syringe room”) is a term used in Dutch healthcare to describe a designated room or area where injections are prepared and, in some settings, administered. The primary goal is to support safe, aseptic handling of syringes, needles, and injectable medications, and to prevent contamination of the medication and the surrounding environment. Spuitkamers are part of infection control and medication safety protocols in hospitals, clinics, and long‑term care facilities.

A spuitkamer typically contains work surfaces, storage for syringes, vials, ampoules, and medication carts, as well as equipment for drawing up and labeling doses. It is usually equipped with a sharps disposal container, a refrigerator for temperature‑sensitive medicines, hand hygiene facilities, and documents for traceability (patient labels, batch numbers, time of administration). Access is restricted to trained personnel such as nurses or pharmacists, and procedures often require double‑checking medications and patient identity.

In some facilities, spuitkamers are separate rooms; in others they are small secured spaces or cabinets within a ward or pharmacy. The concept emphasizes standardized processes to ensure safety, correct dosing, and proper waste handling. Regulations and guidelines governing their use vary by country and institution, but generally address asepsis, medication security, and sharps management.