Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
Workers in A lot of different occupations are in danger of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. First aid team members, housekeeping personnel in some settings, and nurses are examples of workers who may be in danger of exposure.
Government estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are in danger of work-related exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. Studies show that nurses sustain the most needlestick injuries and that as A lot of as one-third of all sharps injuries occur during disposal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Centers for Disease Control) estimates that 62 to 88% of sharps injuries can be prevented simply by using safer medical devices.
According to the NIOSH Alert Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings, It is thought that 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick injuries (NSIs) and other percutaneous injuries occur annually among health care workers. Additional exposure incidents include splashes and other contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Post-exposure management is an integral part of a complete program for preventing infection following exposure incidents.
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