The 2021 EPINet Report for Needlestick and Sharp Object Injuries report stated that there were on average 1,684 incidents across 41 per hospitals per year. There are approximately 6,093 hospitals in the US which means there were about 255,906 needlestick occurrences in the US. At Numedico, we have developed what we believe is one of the safest syringes in the world that prevents needlestick injury.
What is a Needle Stick injury?
Needlestick injuries are wounds inflicted by needles that puncture the skin by accident. These injuries can occur when individuals use, dismantle, or dispose of needles. When not disposed of properly, needles can lurk in linen or rubbish and injure other people who encounter them unexpectedly- A risk for individuals who deal with hypodermic syringes and other needle equipment.
What are the hazards of needlestick injuries?
The report stated that blood was visible on 69% of the needles, which indicates a massive risk of HIV.
These injuries can carry infectious diseases, particularly blood-borne viruses. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, are all causes for concern.
Accidental punctures with infected needles can introduce harmful fluids into the body through the skin. There is the possibility of injecting hazardous drugs, but the biggest concern is contact with infectious fluids, particularly blood. Even small quantities of infectious fluid can efficiently transmit certain diseases.
According to the Ontario Hospital Association/Ontario Medical Association (2016), there is a 6 to 30% probability that an exposed individual may get infected after being wounded in the workplace by a needle contaminated with the hepatitis B virus. In a comparable setting, there is a 0.3% probability of infection with HIV and a 1.8% chance of infection with hepatitis C.
Many infections, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, have been transferred to healthcare personnel, laboratory researchers, and veterinary professionals due to injuries. The diseases include:
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Mycoplasma caviae
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever
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Sporotrichosis
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Staphylococcus aureus
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Streptococcus pyogenes
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Syphilis
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Toxoplasmosis
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Tuberculosis
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Blastomycosis
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Brucellosis
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Cryptococcosis
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Diphtheria
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Cutaneous gonorrhea
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Herpes
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Malaria
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Mycobacteriosis
Many of these infections were spread in solitary incidents. They do, however, show that a needlestick can have severe consequences.
What is the solution to prevent needlestick injury?
Numedico's ClickZip safety syringe technology provides valuable protection for health workers, patients, and others in the community. This high-quality retractable safety syringe has been designed to be used exactly like a traditional syringe, with the added benefit of a locking mechanism that 'clicks' into place when the needle is fully depressed.
