What's Being Done About Needlesticks?

When one thinks of dangerous professions, being a policeman or fireman comes to mind immediately. Construction workers negotiating the narrows walkways of steel beams sends shivers up the spines of many. Or window washers dangling from their ropes several stories up make us all cringe. But few realize the danger associated with being a healthcare worker.

What is the major source of danger in the healthcare setting? Needlestick injuries. Nurses, sanitation workers and lab technicians are just a few of the people affected by this problem everyday. In fact the Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 600,000 needlestick injuries occur each year. And with each needlestick comes the risk of transmitting infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Sadly, approximately 1000 such infections occur each year from needlesticks.

Because of the widespread problem, syringe manufacturers have developed about fifty different products that when used, significantly decrease the risk of needlestick injuries. There are reports that about 80% of needlestick injuries could be eliminated if only the safer syringes and needle systems were used.

So if this is the case, why are needlestick injuries still a problem? Unfortunately, many institutions across the country opt not to utilize the safer products due to their increased cost. Some experts estimate that only about 15% of hospitals use the safer products.

The Government is now stepping in to to help persuade hospitals to utilize safer equipment. In fact, several states now having pending legislation requiring institutions to use the safer products when available.

As HIV continues its attack, and hepatitis C emerges as the new epidemic, eliminating transmission sources becomes more important. The use of safer syringe and needle systems has been proven to be an excellent way to do just that. Lets hope that hospitals across the country begin to realize that the safety of their staff should always be more important than their bottom line.