title: Living with needlestick injuries.
abstract: Exposure to contaminated sharp objects is one of the inherent hazards of working in a clinical setting. Today, primarily due to concerns about possible HIV infection, a "terror-factor" strikes mortal fear, whether imagined or real, in the heart of individuals who suffer a subcutaneous sharp object injury. The psychological effects of sustaining a sharp object injury and the actual danger of contracting a potentially lethal viral infection following such an occurrence are discussed. Methods of avoiding a sharp object injury and possible treatment options are also considered.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia.
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: David
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000379:methods; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D008297:Male; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*