Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

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A Study of Needle Sticks Injuries in a Medical College Hospital in Northern District of Karnataka


Affiliations
1 Department of Pathology, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Pathology, J J M Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka, India
     

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Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are prone for accidental Needle Stick Injuries. Inspite of health education and interventions for prevention, needle stick injuries are still common.

Methodology: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: Proper education and appropriate waste disposal of the sharps are necessary to prevent Needle stick Injuries.


Keywords

Needle Stick Injuries, Healthcare Workers, Universal Precautions
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  • A Study of Needle Sticks Injuries in a Medical College Hospital in Northern District of Karnataka

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Authors

C H Mahesh Kumar
Department of Pathology, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India
Satish L Belagatti
Department of Pathology, J J M Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka, India

Abstract


Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are prone for accidental Needle Stick Injuries. Inspite of health education and interventions for prevention, needle stick injuries are still common.

Methodology: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: Proper education and appropriate waste disposal of the sharps are necessary to prevent Needle stick Injuries.


Keywords


Needle Stick Injuries, Healthcare Workers, Universal Precautions

References