Safety Survey: Introduction (01:18)

FREE PREVIEW

OSHA implemented the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in 2001 resulting in a 62% reduction in accidental needlesticks. This presentation will highlight 17 behaviors that increase the risk of bloodborne exposure.

Recapping (01:46)

A survey revealed that 60% of respondents experienced an accidental needlestick with a used phelebotomy needle in the last 20 years and 29% did not report it. Recapping is the most common cause of an accidental needlestick.

Glove Use (05:28)

Gloves reduce the risk of accidental bloodborne exposure; do not modify the gloves. Follow CLSI standards and facility guidelines for when to don gloves.

Syringe Use (03:46)

Among phlebotomy devices, syringes have the highest rate of accidental needlesticks; butterfly sets are responsible for 32%. See a comparison of accidental needlesticks with tube holders vs butterflies.

Sharps Containers (01:08)

Place a sharps container at the point of use during every procedure. A 2011 study states that safety devices in conjunction with sharps containers at point of use decreased accidental needlesticks by 53%.

Safety Needles (01:38)

Dennis Ernst recounts the story of a physician finding needles without safety devices hidden in the ceiling. Safety needle use has reduced the rate of accidental needle sticks by 32%; 60% for phlebotomists.

Over-full Sharps Containers (01:45)

Ernst recalls encountering an over-full container and getting stuck by a needle. Seal and discard containers before they overflow.

Pauses in Technique (01:23)

Approximately 62% of needlesticks occur moments after the needle is removed from the patient. Immediately activate the device's safety feature in one fluid motion.

Glass Tubes (01:30)

Blood sample collection tubes should be made of plastic. Minimize glass tube use and be mindful of handling cracked or broken tubes. Learn what to do if a glass tube breaks in the centrifuge.

Needle Removal (01:21)

Do not remove needles from tube holders. Discard syringes and tube holder assemblies as one unit.

Finger Positioning (00:45)

Anchor the vein below the intended puncture site.

Filling Collection Tubes (03:07)

Avoid using the same needle used during the puncture to fill a collection tube. Learn tips for transferring the sample and what to do when the blood does not flow into the tube through a transfer device.

Tube Holder (00:54)

A butterfly device must always be attached to a tube holder; the vinyl sleeve does not provide protection.

Device Safety Features (03:27)

Never dismantle a safety device. A 2010 article states that passive devices are the most effective devices for preventing needlestick injuries. Use retractable skin puncture devices.

Lab Coats (01:55)

Approximately 74% of those who perform venipunctures experienced blood splatter beyond their hand; consider using a lab coat.

Eyewear (00:52)

OSHA states that if an employer thinks collecting blood samples is a risk to the eyes, it needs to provide eye protection. Eye protection should be worn when processing samples.

Pre-assembly (01:49)

Staff should avoid pre-assembling a blood collection device prior to arriving in a patient's room or an outpatient's arrival. The cost of treating an accidental needlestick for immediate wound care and post-exposure counseling is approximately $2,500.

Summary and Additional Resources (02:24)

Safety equipment and safe practices reduces the risk of accidental needlesticks. Consider the 17 behaviors discussed in this video in connection with your behavior. See additional resources on phlebotomy information.

Credits: Safety Survey: How Vulnerable Are You to a Needlestick? (00:25)

Credits: Safety Survey: How Vulnerable Are You to a Needlestick?