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Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-135 What infections can be caused by Do certain work practices increase needlestick injuries? the risk of needlestick ? Needlestick injuries can expose workers to a number of blood- Yes. Past studies have shown that needlestick injuries are borne pathogens that can cause serious or fatal infections. The often associated with these activities: pathogens that pose the most serious health risks are ■ Recapping needles ■ virus (HBV) ■ Transferring a body fluid between containers ■ virus (HCV) ■ Failing to dispose of used needles properly in puncture- ■ Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Ñthe virus that resistant sharps containers causes AIDS How can I protect myself from HBV vaccination is recommended for all health care workers needlestick injuries? (unless they are immune because of previous exposure). HBV ■ vaccine has proved highly effective in preventing infection in Avoid the use of needles where safe and effective alterna- workers exposed to HBV. However, no vaccine exists to pre- tives are available. vent HCV or HIV infection. ■ Help your employer select and evaluate devices with safety features that reduce the risk of needlestick injury. ■ Use devices with safety features provided by your Preventing needlestick injuries is the employer. best way to protect yourself from these ■ Avoid recapping needles. infections. ■ Plan for safe handling and disposal of needles before using them. ■ Promptly dispose of used needles in appropriate sharps Who is at risk of needlestick injury? disposal containers. Any worker who may come in contact with needles is at ■ Report all needlestick and sharps-related injuries promptly risk, including nursing staff, lab workers, doctors, and to ensure that you receive appropriate followup care. housekeepers. ■ Tell your employer about any needlestick hazards you observe. How common are needlestick injuries ■ Participate in training related to infection prevention. among health care workers? ■ Get a hepatitis B vaccination. Estimates indicate that 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick injures occur each year. Unfortunately, about half of these injuries are not reported. Always report needlestick injuries For additional information, see NIOSH Alert: Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings [DHHS to your employer to ensure that you receive appropriate (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-108]. Single copies of the followup care. Alert are available from the following: What kinds of needles usually NIOSH-Publications Dissemination 4676 Columbia Parkway cause needlestick injuries? Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998 ■ Hypodermic needles 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) ■ Blood collection needles Fax: 513-533-8573 ■ Suture needles E-mail: [email protected] ■ Needles used in IV delivery systems Web site: www.cdc.gov/niosh

eedlestick injuries can lead to serious or faatal infections. Health care workers who use Nor may be exposed to needles are at increasased risk of needlestick injury. All workers who are at risk should take steps to protect themmselves from this significant health hazard.