Needlestick injuries and safety syringes: a review of the literature

Abstract

Needlestick injuries are a serious concern for nurses and other healthcare workers. One of the main clinical risks from needlestick injury is the possible infection by blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. A number of different measures have been introduced to minimise the risk and impact of needlestick injuries, including the use of fixed-needle safety syringes. However, some healthcare workers refuse to use such devices, for reasons that include the perceived need to change syringe needles between drawing up a medicine and its administration to a patient. This paper will explore the literature relating to needlestick injuries and the reasons commonly given for not using fixed-needle safety syringes.