Needlestick injuries pose significant risks for healthcare workers, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 incidents occurring annually in the U.S., leading to high treatment costs and potential infections from blood-borne diseases. Preventive measures include using engineered safety devices, proper needle disposal, and following established safety protocols. In case of a needlestick injury, immediate washing, reporting, and possible testing are crucial for minimizing infection risks.

1. Needlestick Injuries
A guide for safe
needle handling
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2. Needlesticks
 Needlestick injuries are a serious occupational hazard
for healthcare workers.
 Needlesticks are mostly caused by needle points but injuries
from other medical sharps (e.g. scalpels) are also considered
needlestick injuries.
 Although the wound from a needlestick is small and
easily cared for, needlestick injuries have a high risk of
infection.
 Never downplay a needlestick injury. Always report them
and seek immediate medical attention.

3. A Common Problem
How big of an issue are needlestick injuries?
Consider the following:
 According to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH), an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 occupational
needlesticks occur each year in healthcare workers. (Infection
Control Resource, 2010)
 According to one CDC study, 18% of needlestick/sharps injuries
reported were from a phlebotomy procedure.
 Treatment for a needlestick injury is estimated at about $2,500
(mostly due to disease screening and testing).

4. The Risks from Needlestick Injuries
 According to data from Estimates by Medical Care Data
International, accidental needlesticks account for 80% of all
occupationally acquired diseases.
 The transmission of blood-borne diseases is an area of great
concern.
 Studies indicate that needlestick injuries are responsible for several
serious infections worldwide:
 66,000 with HBV
 16,000 with HCV
 1,000 with HIV

5. When do Needlesticks Occur?
 Needlesticks tend to occur:
 During a procedure (e.g. drawing blood or
administering medicine)
 While recapping needles
 When disposing of needles
 During surgery

6. Needle Safety for Procedures
 While a steady hand and a cooperative patient
are an ideal setting for avoiding a needlestick
injury, accidents can happen.
 Study and follow procedure guidelines to the
letter.
 Offset your risk with the best
needle safety devices. Only use needles with
engineered sharps protection.

7. Engineered Sharps Protection
 The Monoject needles from MarketLab reduce needlestick injuries
through specialized design.
Monoject safety needles
have one-handed safety
activation and are available
in a variety of gauges.

8. Capping Needles
 Needles that have been in contact with
tissues or fluids should never be
recapped.
 When recapping or uncapping needles,
only use one hand to reduce the risk of
needlesticks.

9. Needle Caps and Protection
Disposable needle guards
completely shield
a needle in a leak
resistant grip until
it can be properly
disposed of.
Needle-Pro® sheaths are
unique from ordinary
needle caps. They
stay attached to the
syringe and be used to
cover a needle
immediately following
a procedure.

10. Needle Disposal
 Everyday trashcans are not safe for needle disposal.
 Needle disposal bins should be:
 Puncture-proof
 Leak-proof
 Non-reusable
 Closable
 Clearly labeled
 Never rearrange or compact the contents of a needle bin.
 Dispose of needle bins before they become full.

11. Needlestick During Surgery
 Surgical equipment typically employs a variety of sharp
instruments.
 Because of the intricate technique it requires, suturing
poses a notable risk for needle stick.
 Never use a needle holder that rotates or slips when
suturing.
 Tungsten-carbide needle holders provide the strongest,
no-slip grip possible.

12. Treating a Needlestick Injury
The wounds caused by needlestick injury are usually
non-emergencies that can be easily treated.
 Wash the affected area soap and water.
 Report your needlestick injury immediately. If the needle
or sharp that caused the injury was previously in contact
with potentially infectious material at anytime, you will
need to be tested for infection. You may also require
vaccination.
 A common myth is that one should “milk out” as much blood as
possible from a needlestick in order to prevent infection.
However, the CDC advises against this.

13. Proper Procedure
 Always follow the safety practices set by
your workplace.
 Keep your training current for all
procedures using needles and sharp
devices.

14. MarketLab – Laboratory and
Medical Supplies
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from the healthcare industry to bring you clever and helpful products
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