MDV
Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy
| Stands for | Multiple-dose vial |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
MDV stands for Multiple-dose vial, a pharmacy abbreviation.
Vial of injectable drug that contains an antimicrobial preservative and is intended for more than one dose, such as insulin vials, lidocaine 1% and some vaccines. Once punctured, it must be dated and discarded within 28 days unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Example: MDV opened 10/3, discard 10/31; store in the med room fridge.
Usage notes
The 28-day rule comes from CDC and USP sterile compounding guidance. CDC also advises that multiple-dose vials be dedicated to a single patient whenever possible and never be entered with a used needle or syringe, practices linked to hepatitis B and C outbreaks.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- LDD – Limited distribution drug
- LR – Lactated Ringer's solution
- LVP – Large-volume parenteral
- MAC – Maximum allowable cost
- MAR – Medication administration record
- MDI – Metered-dose inhaler
- med rec – Medication reconciliation
- MPJE – Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination
- MR – Modified release
- MTM – Medication therapy management
- MUE – Medication use evaluation
- NABP – National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.