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Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Association of Medical Microbiology
ISSN: 0255-0857
EISSN: 0255-0857
Vol. 28, No. 1, 2010, pp. 17-20
Bioline Code: mb10005
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2010, pp. 17-20

 en Interventions to reduce needle stick injuries at a tertiary care centre
Mehta, A.; Rodrigues, C.; Singhal, T.; Lopes, N.; D'Souza, N.; Sathe, K. & Dastur, F. D.

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to blood/body fluids is associated with risk of infection with blood borne pathogens like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Materials and Methods: We carefully document needle stick injuries (NSI) and implement post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). We report a four-year continuing surveillance study where 342 healthcare workers (HCWs) sustained NSI. PEP was given to HCWs injured from seropositive sources. If the source was HbsAg positive, HCWs were given a hepatitis B immunization booster. If the HCW was antiHBs negative, both hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine were administered. For HCWs who sustained injuries from HIV positive sources, antiretroviral therapy was started. Follow-up was done after three and six months of exposure. Recent interventions by the infection control committee at our hospital reduced NSI considerably during intravenous line administration and glucose monitoring. Results and Discussion: Of 342 injuries, 254 were from known sources and 88 from unknown sources. From known sources, 37 were seropositive; 13 for HIV, 15 for HCV, nine for HBV. Sixty six sharp injuries were sustained through garbage bags, 43 during IV line administration, 41 during injection administration, 35 during needle recapping, 32 during blood collection, 27 during blood glucose monitoring, 24 from OT instruments, 17 during needle disposal, 16 while using surgical blade, 7 during suturing and 34 from miscellaneous sources. Conclusion: No case of seroconversion has taken place, so far, as a result of needle stick injuries at our centre.

Keywords
Blood borne pathogens, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, occupational exposure, post exposure prophylaxis

 
© Copyright 2010 Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology.
Alternative site location: http://www.ijmm.org

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