Needle-stick injury: a novel intervention to reduce the occupational health and safety risk in the haemodialysis setting.

Full Abstract

Needle-stick injury (NSI) is a major occupational health and safety issue facing healthcare professionals. The administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in haemodialysis patients represents a major cause for injections. The purpose of this initiative was to familiarise nursing staff with needle-free administration of an ESA in haemodialysis patients to reduce the risk of NSI. Epoetin beta comes in a commercial presentation with a detached needle. Epoetin beta was administered to 10 haemodialysis patients via the venous bubble trap short line of the haemodialysis circuit. An audit was conducted that included a retrospective assessment of NSI for the previous six months; and a prospective assessment for eight weeks to assess whether there is a nursing staff preference for needle-free administration of ESA. There were no reports of NSI in the needle-free group. Haemoglobin levels were maintained. Ninety-one percent of the nursing staff preferred needle-free administration of ESA. In conclusion, the commercial presentation of epoetin beta with the detached needle presents an opportunity to reduce the potential risk of NSI in haemodialysis units.

Author information

Author/s: Chow, Josephine (J); Rayment, Glenda (G); Wong, Jeff (J); Jefferys, Andrew (A); Suranyi, Michael (M);

Affiliation: Cardiovascular Stream, Sydney South West Area Health Service, New South Wales, Australia. josephine.chow(-atsign-)sswahs.nsw.gov.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of renal care (J Ren Care), published in France. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 35 (issue 3) : pp 120-6

Dates: Created 2009/08/19; Completed 2009/10/29;

PMID: 19689693, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/29/2009, IMS Date: )

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