title: Role of pharmacists in reducing occupational exposure to HIV.
abstract: The role of pharmacists in reducing the occupational hazard of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via needle-stick injuries is described. Some 40% of all pharmaceuticals used in hospitals are now administered by injection, and sales of large-volume injectable drug products continue to grow. Most needle-stick injuries in which health-care workers are exposed to HIV-contaminated blood occur during recapping of used needles, picking up and carrying the needle, or placing it in a receptacle. Pharmacists are responsible not only for the purchase, storage, dispensing, and use of drug products but also for providing information about their administration and safe disposal. Single-use vials, ampuls, and prefilled syringes must all be evaluated for availability, ease of use, and disposal. A major factor in drug-purchasing decisions must be the safety of nurses. Syringes that have been redesigned to eliminate the need for recapping offer a major safety advantage. Needle disposal units should be made more conveniently accessible. Pharmacists can help prevent the transmission of HIV to health-care workers by using their influence as educators and decision makers to reduce the risk of needle-stick injury.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Services, North Shore Medical Center, Miami, FL 33150.
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D004345:Drug Industry; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008506:Medical Waste; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010595:Pharmacists; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D008506:Medical Waste