Needlestick injuries occur when the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. These injuries can be experienced by any healthcare professional who uses needles, including individuals working in collection centres, hospitals, aged care facilities and other healthcare services.
A safety needle or sometimes known as a safety-engineered medical device (SEMD) is a “non-needle sharp or a needle device used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing a vein or artery, or administering medications or other fluids, with a built-in safety feature or mechanism that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident”.
These can be used for:
The collection of bodily fluids or withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established
The administration of medication or fluids
Any procedures involving the potential for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens due to percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps. (Medical Technology Association of Australia)
Safety needles have the potential to contribute to the reduction or needlestick injuries, and organisations may consider their use where practicable and clinically appropriate.
It is still very important to ensure safe disposal of needles. LTT trains pathology collection students in identifying and responding to clinical risks in pathology collection, infection control, and workplace health and safety. Visit ltt.edu.au/pathology-collection to read more.