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Neck needle foreign bodies: an added risk for autopsy pathologists
K D Hutchins1, A W Williams, G A Natarajan
1Regional Medical Examiner Office, Edwin H. Albano Institute of Forensic Sciences, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
Abstract:
The risk to pathologists of contracting diseases due to cuts or needles punctures while performing autopsies is well known. An additional risk is an accidental needle puncture due to retained needle fragments within the subcutaneous tissues or internal organs of intravenous drug addicts. We report 4 cases of drug addicted patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus who came to autopsy and had retained needle fragments within their cervical-clavicular soft tissues. The presence of retained needle fragments increases the risk to the autopsy pathologist of accidental needle puncture and exposure to disease. Because of this phenomenon, the pathologist should take precautions in addition to those currently prescribed when performing autopsies on possible drug abusers.
Insights
Pathologists face risks from needle punctures during autopsies, especially with intravenous drug users who may have retained needle fragments. These fragments increase the risk of accidental exposure to diseases like HIV.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Infectious Disease Transmission
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Pathologists performing autopsies face risks of disease transmission from sharps injuries.
- Intravenous drug users (IDUs) present unique challenges due to potential retained foreign objects.
Observation:
- Four cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals who were intravenous drug users were autopsied.
- Retained needle fragments were identified within the cervical-clavicular soft tissues of these individuals.
Findings:
- Retained needle fragments in deceased individuals significantly elevate the risk of accidental needle-stick injuries for autopsy pathologists.
- These fragments pose a direct hazard, increasing the potential for pathogen exposure during post-mortem examinations.
Implications:
- Pathologists must implement enhanced safety protocols when performing autopsies on suspected drug abusers.
- Awareness of retained needle fragments is crucial for mitigating occupational hazards and preventing disease transmission in forensic settings.
