|
Marilyn Hanchett RN, PhD (c), CPHQ
Managing Infection Control
March 2002
The author examines medical device technology's impact on sharps
safety in the ten-year period that followed OSHA's enactment of the
initial Bloodborne Pathogen Standards. The author describes a new
generation of technologies that use primary prevention methods. Some
of these technologies completely eliminate the use of needles. Others
reduce the frequency of needle use. Examples of primary prevention
technologies include surgical sealants, needleless diagnostics, and
catheter securement devices.
An overview of recent activities by NAPPSI is provided. These activities
include use of an improved safety classification system; petitioning
NIOSH to issue a “Notification to Clinicians on Sharps Injury
Prevention” that encourages clinicians to use both primary and
secondary measures in injury prevention programs; and building a coalition
of clinicians, safety product manufacturers, and major clinician organizations.
> Download PDF
|
