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Document ID (ISN)108215
CIS number 08-716
ISSN - Serial title 0962-7480 - Occupational Medicine
Year 2006
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Elder A., Paterson C.
Title Sharps injuries in UK health care: A review of injury rates, viral transmission and potential efficacy of safety devices
Bibliographic information Dec. 2006, Vol.56, No.8, p.566-574. 83 ref.
Abstract The objective of this literature survey was to review data on sharps injuries and occupational blood-borne virus transmission in health care services in the United Kingdom. Findings are discussed. Although injuries remain common, confirmed viral transmission in the United Kingdom has been relatively rare. The degree of under-reporting of sharps injuries may be as much as 10-fold. Safety-engineered devices such as blunt suture needles and safety cannulae were found to be effective in reducing injury rates.
Descriptors (primary) United Kingdom; needle-stick injuries; contamination; health care personnel; risk factors; hospitals
Descriptors (secondary) literature survey; safety by design; notification of occupational accidents
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUnited Kingdom
Subject(s) Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Biological hazards
Mechanical hazards, transport
Browse category(ies) Health care services