Needlestick injuries are accidental punctures of the skin from needles. They are commonly caused by unsafe practices like recapping used needles. Recapping needles is especially dangerous as the needle can miss the cap and injure the hand. Improper disposal of used needles, like leaving them in waste bins, also increases the risk of needlestick injuries. To prevent these injuries, medical workers should avoid recapping needles, plan safe needle handling and disposal procedures, use safety-engineered devices, and immediately report any needlestick injuries according to protocol.

1. NEEDLE STICK
INJURY
ms.Rebeccaraju

2. What is needle stick injury?
Needlestick injuries are
wounds caused by needles
that accidentally puncture
the skin

3. CAUSES FOR NEEDLE STICK INJURY
Unsafe work
practices.
1
Failure to use safety
engineered
needles.
2
Failure to dispose
properly.
3
Disposal system
failures.
4

4. RECAPPING
 25%-30% of all the NSI
 Single most important cause
 Its is extremely danderous to hold a
needle in one hand and attempt to
cover it with a small cap held in the
other hand

5. Recapping
the needle

6. INJURIES CAN OCCUR IN 3 WAYS:
1. The needle misses the cap and
accidentally enters the hand
holding it.
2. The needle pierces the cap and
accidentally enters the hand
holding it.
3. The poorly fitting cap slips off a
recapped needle and the needle
stabs the hand.

8. IMPROPE
R
DISPOSAL
Forgetfulness?
Lack of motivation?
Inconvenient disposal
system?

9. NEEDLE DESTROYERS WITH PUNCTURE
PROOF CONTAINER

10. Work practice control
 Work Practice Controls Pick
up all broken glass with
forceps, brush and dust-pan,
or another tool to avoid hand
contact.
 Refuse to process specimens
sent in syringes with needle
still attached. Immediately
alert the patient’s nurse and
physician.

12. How
would you
prevent
needle
stick
injury?
•Avoid recapping needles.Avoid
•Before beginning any procedure using needles,
plan for safe handling and proper disposal.
Plan
•Help your employer select and evaluate devices
with safety features.
Help
•Use devices with safety features.Use
•Report all needlestick and other sharps-related
injuries.
Report

13. Immediate
For Injury: Wash with soap
and running water.
For Non intact Skin Exposure:
Wash with soap and water.
For Mucosal Exposure: Wash
thoroughly.
PROTOCOL

17. BLOOD PATHOGENS

20. Reporting
further follow-up.
HIC nurse
filled by supervisor
Details of the needle-stick injury
Casualty Medical Officer (evaluate the injury)
Immediate to supervisor
sharps injury / mucosal exposure