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Are we getting the point? Needlestick injuries-an ongoing problem.
T K McAdam1, R E McLaughlin, B McNicholl
1Emergency Department, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK. mekittrick@hotmail.com
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|August 13, 2002
Summary
Glove perforation from hollow needles is common in emergency departments, with 9.7% of gloves perforated. Most injuries occurred on the thumb and index finger, suggesting dominant hand needle use.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Glove perforation during medical procedures is a significant concern.
- The incidence and pattern of glove perforation from hollow needles remain largely undescribed.
- Sensitive electronic testing methods offer a reliable way to assess glove integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of glove perforation associated with hollow needle use in an Emergency Department setting.
- To identify specific locations of glove perforation.
- To correlate perforation patterns with needle handling practices.
Main Methods:
- Collection and electronic testing of 289 gloves used over three months.
- Comparison of perforated gloves with 100 unused control gloves.
- Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact probability test.
Main Results:
- A perforation rate of 9.7% (28/298) was observed in used gloves, significantly higher than the 1% rate in the control group (P<0.01).
- Perforations were most frequently located on the thumb and index fingers.
- No needlestick injuries were reported during the study period.
Conclusions:
- The rate of glove perforation from hollow needles in this Emergency Department is higher than previously reported.
- The perforation pattern suggests needles held in the dominant hand are a primary cause of glove compromise.
- Findings highlight the need for improved protocols to prevent glove perforation and potential sharps injuries.