Use of needle safety devices by clinical laboratories in North Carolina hospitals

Abstract

Laboratories across the U.S. have implemented needle safety devices to varying degrees and are making efforts to comply with the most recent legislation in this area, The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. A survey was conducted among hospital clinical laboratories in North Carolina, with a 70% response rate. Of 86 responding laboratories that offered either inpatient and/or outpatient phlebotomy, 88% reported currently using safety devices, and only two of the nonusers indicated no plans for adoption of such devices. The most commonly reported types of venipuncture safety devices in use or being adopted were the modified vacuum-tube holder for either one-handed needle release or needle retraction and sheathing, followed by needle clips. Despite studies demonstrating reduced needlestick rates and cost savings with use of needle safety devices, respondents' concerns included added cost, staff dissatisfaction with devices because they were cumbersome, and being uncertain that the devices would reduce needlesticks.