[Occupational exposures to blood and biological material in healthcare workers. EPINETAC Project 1996-2000]

The bloodborne injury is the most frequent risk in healthcare workers. Among them, the hollow-bore needlesticks are the most associated with the risk of acquire a bloodborne infection. In this study, occupational percutaneous injuries and risk factors associated to hollow-bore needlesticks registered in a national multicenter surveillance system are described.

Prospective and analytical study of percutaneous injuries registered in the surveillance system EPINETAC (Exposure Prevention Information Network) in Spain between 1996-200. A descriptive analysis of the variables related to the exposed healthcare worker, the exposure and their mechanism and the source patient is performed. The incidence rates were calculated by 100 occupied beds and by job category. A multivariable analysis is performed in order to know the risk factors most associated to hollow-bore needle.

16,374 percutaneous injuries has been registered, which 87% are hollow-bore needlesticks. The incidence rate has been 11.8 expositions per 100 occupied beds. Midwives are the most risky workers (9 injuries per 100 occupied beds). The risk factors most associated to hollow-bore needlesticks are the following: job category of midwife (OR = 7.5 95% CI, 4.1-13.7) and student nurse (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.7), recapping (OR = 28.8; 95% CI, 16.5-50.6), working in venipuncture room (OR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.2-9.5) or in the dialysis unit (OR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.3).

The incidence of occupational percutaneous injuries in Spain is similar to those described in other countries using comparable surveillance systems. The risk of hollow-bore needlestick is directly related to job category, work experience, work area and the activities that the healthcare worker does.