1Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka
2Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, J J M Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka
*Corresponding author: Mahesh Kumar C H, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, E mail: maheshswamy1976@gmail.com, Mob: 988607625, Fax: 08532-235488
Online published on 11 November, 2013.
Healthcare workers (HCW) are prone for accidental Needle Stick Injuries. Inspite of health education and interventions for prevention, needle stick injuries are still common.
We reviewed the surveillance data of NSI over a period of 2 years (March 2009 - Feb 2011) to identify the health groups affected, types of needles used, mechanisms of NSI, pattern of post-exposure prophylaxis and the complications.
118 HCW reported the injuries. Among them were 42 (35%) nurses, 22 (19%) nursing interns/students, Laboratory technicians 21 (18%), Cleaning staff 14 (12%), Medical interns 12 (10%) and Doctors 07 (06%).
The devices mainly responsible for Needle Stick Injuries were hollow bore needles (n=90, 78%), solid 16 (17%) and others 4 (5%). Almost all injuries were caused during blood collection procedure and de-capping or re-capping of the needles.
Post exposure prophylaxis for HCW's who reported injuries was provided. Subsequent follow up for Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus was negative except for one health care worker who was positive for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen(HBsAg).
Proper education and appropriate waste disposal of the sharps are necessary to prevent Needle stick Injuries.
Needle Stick Injuries, Healthcare Workers, Universal Precautions
