title: Safety in urine sampling: maintaining an infection-free environment.
abstract: The insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter is thought to be implicated in 80% of all urinary tract infections (UTI). In patients with an indwelling catheter, one of the most effective ways to determine whether or not there is evidence of a UTI is to aspirate a sample of urine for analysis, typically using a syringe and needle. Inevitably this puts the healthcare worker at risk of a percutaneous needle stick injury and accidental exposure to serious and potentially life-threatening viruses. Infection control is now taken increasingly seriously in UK hospitals, and the elimination of infection risk is regarded as a priority. In addition to training, and safer working practices the government recognizes the need for new technological innovation to help further reduce risks. In the urine sampling environment, there is a new needle-free port (EZ-Lok from Bard Ltd), designed specifically to reduce the occupational health risk of needle stick injuries.
authors.affiliation: Ashford and St Peter's NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roodhouse
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wellsted
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000295:instrumentation; D014546:Urinary Catheterization