How many times should an alcohol swab be used? An alcohol swab should only be used once. Though alcohol is a disinfectant once the swab has been removed from it’s package it is no longer sterile. It is important to use care while handling the swab and make sure only to use it on one surface.
” Discard after one use, even if the alcohol swab is still dripping wet. When disinfecting several vials, use one alcohol swab per vial; don’t share alcohol swabs between the vials.”
Source: Infusion Nurse Blog