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Occupational Accidents Caused by Sharp Objects Among Healthcare Workers and Medical Students: A Retrospective
Christina Gkirtsou1, Evangelia Nena2, Eftychia Kontekaki3
1School of Medicine, Blood Transfusion Center, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, GRC.
Cureus
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Sharp object injuries (SOIs) remain a significant risk for healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students. This 10-year study found 771 occupational accidents, with blood sampling being the most frequent procedure, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Medical Safety
Background:
- Sharp object injuries (SOIs) pose a persistent risk in healthcare settings.
- Understanding the epidemiology of SOIs is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate the incidence and characteristics of SOIs among healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students over a decade (2014-2023).
- To assess the procedures associated with SOIs and the prevalence of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital records from 2014 to 2023.
- Data collection included details of occupational accidents, procedures, and source patient laboratory results.
- Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics.
Main Results:
- A total of 771 occupational accidents were recorded.
- Blood sampling was the most common procedure (46.7%).
- Prevalence of bloodborne pathogens in source patients included HBsAg-positive (4.4%), anti-HCV positive (3.5%), and HIV I/II positive (0.6%). No seroconversions were observed post-exposure.
Conclusions:
- Sharp object injuries represent a continued clinical risk for HCWs and medical students.
- The findings emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance and targeted interventions to mitigate SOI risks in healthcare environments.
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