Note to Harm Reduction Programs and Staff Regarding Recent HIV Research and ‘Cook Your Wash’

This study helped determine the appropriate length of time to ‘Cook Your Wash’ and demonstrated that heating the solution until it bubbles (about 10 seconds), can help reduce the amount of HIV that may be present in a wash of a hydromorphone controlled release capsule. However, messaging to clients should emphasize ‘Cook Your Drug’, not only ‘Cook Your Wash’. Cooking (heating) the solution EVERY TIME may also help reduce the presence of bacteria/mould/yeast/fungi and other pathogens.

Other research findings from Québec also indicate the importance for a ‘cool-off period’ after the solution has been heated. The cool-off period allows any wax-agent used to coat certain pills to accumulate on top of the solution, which can then be removed before injection. The cool-off period also ensures you are not injecting a hot solution, which can damage veins.