Impact of a rigid, puncture resistant container system upon needlestick injuries

Needlestick injuries in a 720-bed tertiary care hospital were analyzed before and after the introduction of a rigid, puncture resistant, needle disposal system. Following implementation of the system, disposal-related injuries decreased from 0.9 per 100 full-time equivalent employees/year to 0.3 per 100 full-time equivalent employees/year (p less than .005). However, needlesticks associated with procedures (2.2 vs. 4.4 per 100 full-time equivalent employees/year, p less than .0005), and those resulting from loose needles (0.5 vs. 1.9 per 100 full-time equivalent employees/year, p less than .0005), increased. Injuries occurring during needle recapping or the carrying of needles were not significantly altered. Total needlestick injuries increased from 6.0 to 8.7 per 100 full-time equivalent employees/year (p less than .0005). We concluded that a rigid, puncture resistant, needle disposal system can reduce disposal-related needlestick injuries, but must also be perceived as convenient to impact substantially upon needlesticks associated with other activities.