Prevention of Needlestick Injuries
Preventive steps can be adopted at various different steps to control needlestick injuries.
Removing a needle cap can cause needlestick injury. The safest way to remove the cap is by carefully grasping the syringe while dislodging the cap from the syringe, guiding the needle cap using the thumb and the pointing finger. Push away the needle and detach the cap. As far as possible try doing it with one hand to avoid rebounding effect.
In some countries like the USA a lot of effort has gone into protecting the safety of the health care personnel. These countries have made use of needle removers and safety devices mandatory.
Some of the other preventive measures at work place include the following-
- Kindly do not allow yourself to be distracted while working with needles
- Put a plan of action in place
- Make yourself familiar to the procedures that you must follow in case you get injured by a needlestick
- Collect all information regarding do’s and don’ts
- Always wash your hands after dealing with patients
- Use protective wears like gloves, masks, aprons and other accessories while working in the lab or with patients
- Use disposable items while doing clinical work
