Rates of sharps and needlestick injuries among healthcare workers have remained the same over a 10-year period, according to research published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
For their study, researchers retrospectively reviewed blood and body fluids exposures that took place from 1999-2008 at Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Results from their data analysis revealed 564 occupational exposures to blood and body fluids occurred. Of these, 66 percent were caused by needlesticks, and 20 percent were caused by sharp objects.
Additionally, 39 percent of incidents occurred in acute-care settings, while 22 percent occurred in the operating room. The researchers also concluded exposure to blood and body fluid through sharps or needlestick injuries remained common but varied across settings.
Read the study about needstick and sharps injuries.
Sharps Safety in Ambulatory Settings: What Would You Do?
Sharps Safety Posters Available for Free Download
For their study, researchers retrospectively reviewed blood and body fluids exposures that took place from 1999-2008 at Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Results from their data analysis revealed 564 occupational exposures to blood and body fluids occurred. Of these, 66 percent were caused by needlesticks, and 20 percent were caused by sharp objects.
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Additionally, 39 percent of incidents occurred in acute-care settings, while 22 percent occurred in the operating room. The researchers also concluded exposure to blood and body fluid through sharps or needlestick injuries remained common but varied across settings.
Read the study about needstick and sharps injuries.
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