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Effect of Bedside Needle Disposal Units on Needle Recapping Frequency and Needlestick Injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Michael Edmond ,
Rashida Khakoo ,
Bonny McTaggart  and
Rose Solomon
Michael Edmond
Affiliation:
Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, West Virginia
Rashida Khakoo*
Affiliation:
Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, West Virginia
Bonny McTaggart
Affiliation:
Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, West Virginia
Rose Solomon
Affiliation:
Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, West Virginia
*
Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown, WV 26506
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Abstract

Needle recapping has been shown to be one of the leading causes of needlestick injuries. Frequency of recapping has not been reported. This study was designed to determine the frequency of needle recapping by nursing personnel and the effect of bedside needle disposal units on the frequency of recapping and needlesticks. Seventy-four nurses carrying out 312 activities involving use of needles were observed. The subjects were not aware of the nature of the study. The recapping frequency was 93.9%. The study was repeated after educational programs and following installation of a hospital-wide bedside needle disposal system. Fifty-three nurses performing 151 activities with needles were observed. Frequency of recapping was 94%. There was no significant difference in the rate of recapping or needlestick injuries after installation of the new needle disposal system. Educational programs regarding recapping, a very common practice, may be ineffective. Alternate methods for preventing nee-dlesticks may be necessary.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 9 , Issue 3 , March 1988 , pp. 114 - 116
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1988

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