Needle stick injuries in a tertiary care hospital.
BACKGROUND
Accidental needle stick injuries (NSIs) are an occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). A recent increase in NSIs in a tertiary care hospital lead to a 1-year review of the pattern of injuries, with a view to determine risk factors for injury and potential interventions for prevention.


METHODS
We reviewed 1-year (July 2006-June 2007) of ongoing surveillance of NSIs.


RESULTS
The 296 HCWs reporting NSIs were 84 (28.4%) nurses, 27 (9.1%) nursing interns, 45 (21.6%) cleaning staff, 64 (21.6%) doctors, 47 (15.9%) medical interns and 24 (8.1%) technicians. Among the staff who had NSIs, 147 (49.7%) had a work experience of less than 1 year (n = 230, 77.7%). In 73 (24.6%) of the NSIs, the patient source was unknown. Recapping of needles caused 25 (8.5%) and other improper disposal of the sharps resulted in 55 (18.6%) of the NSIs. Immediate post-exposure prophylaxis for HCWs who reported injuries was provided. Subsequent 6-month follow-up for human immunodeficiency virus showed zero seroconversion.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved education, prevention and reporting strategies and emphasis on appropriate disposal are needed to increase occupational safety for HCWs.
Jayanth
S T
ST
Hospital Infection Control Committee, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu-632 004, India.
Kirupakaran
H
H
Brahmadathan
K N
KN
Gnanaraj
L
L
Kang
G
G
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006282:Health Personnel; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors