AIMS To compare blood transmission through nitrile, single and double layer latex glove materials in simulated needlestick injuries. METHODS Experiments involved nitrile, single and double layer latex gloves. A cutting suture needle was dipped into a specimen of blood and then immediately jabbed through the glove material into a cell containing saline. This process was repeated using the same...

The device-specific needlestick injury (NSI) rate provides a means of comparing rates of injury between work sites and institutions over time. We performed a retrospective study of intravenous and percutaneous injection NSI at a large military teaching hospital using electronic purchase records and occupational NSI exposure forms to define action levels for process improvements. A rate of 2.25 ...

Pediatric pain experiences result from a complex interplay of genetic, experiential, and developmental factors. These elements, as they relate to needle-stick procedures and other relevant painful phenomena, are explored in this article so that the context of possible interventions may be more fully appreciated. Clinical implications are discussed incorporating ethical perspectives.

An inexpensive modification of the flute needle is described for use in closed intraocular microsurgery.

Injuries with used needles and other "sharps" put health care workers at risk for serious bloodborne infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. To some extent, this risk can be lessened through safer techniques (such as not recapping needles) and safer devices (such as needleless and self-sheathing equipment). But these injuries occur within a context (often a hospital unit) with organizati...

The Centers for Disease Control has recommended safe needle disposal practices to prevent percutaneous exposures to bloodborne pathogens for the last decade.1,2 Infection control policies and procedures based on these guidelines have been implemented in most US healthcare facilities, but few have noted an appreciable decline in needlestick incidence. Hospital infection control practitioners hav...