The Problem
40,000 needlestick injuries are reported each year in the UK. One Million in Europe.
35% of nurses have been struck by a needle or sharp, previously used on a patient.
Needlestick injuries are the second most common cause of accidents in hospitals in the UK.
They represent almost 20% of all reported accidents.
Contaminated needles can transmit more than 20 dangerous blood borne pathogens.
After a needlestick injury the approximate risk of transmission for the main blood borne viruses in clinical environments is:
1 in 3 chance of contracting Hepatitis B
1 in 30 chance of contracting Hepatitis C
1 in 300 chance of contracting HIV
High risk procedures include:
Blood Collection
IV Cannulation
Percutaneously placed syringes
