Sharps injuries involving a sheathed needle.
Two dental nurses each sustained a sharps injury while attempting to remove the sheathed needle from a used dental local anaesthetic syringe. The needle had been bent inadvertently during use. Neither of the dental nurses were aware that the needle had perforated the side of the sheath during resheathing. This incident emphasises the need for constant vigilance during the disposal of sharps and for the routine avoidance of direct contact with sheathed or unsheathed needles and other sharps after use.
Matthew
I R
IR
School of Dentistry, Birmingham.
Frame
J W
JW
D003726:Dental Assistants; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000209:etiology*