[Needle stick injuries in health care - frequency, causes und preventive strategies]

Healthcare workers (HCW) are at risk for infections with blood-borne pathogens - especially hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - resulting from occupational blood-exposure trough injuries with sharp instruments and needle sticks. Results of a study on the epidemiology of needle stick injuries (NSI) among HCW in two German hospitals indicate that 500,000 NSI occur annually in Germany. Most of these injuries occur during disposal of used syringes and "recapping". Administration of the post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for HCW who are occupationally exposed to HBV (vaccine/immunoglobulin) and HIV (antiretroviral drugs) i.e. the immediately reporting of blood exposure is very important. Comprehensive programmes to prevent NSI - e.g. avoiding of recapping, use of disposal containers, surgical gloves and in particular safety devices - minimize a high cost of NSI due to the administration of PEP, developing of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.