An experimental method for detecting blood splatter from retractable phlebotomy and intravascular devices.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to evaluate the safety of retractable intravascular devices in terms of their potential to produce blood splatter. A method for measuring this blood splatter designed by the research team was used to evaluate 3 specific intravascular devices.


METHODS
Scientific filters were positioned around the retraction mechanisms of the devices and weighed with an analytical scale, both before and after activation, in a simulated vein containing mock venous blood. The difference in filter mass was used as the primary unit of analysis to detect blood splatter. In addition, the filters were visually inspected for the presence or absence of blood.


RESULTS
A paired t-test revealed significant differences in the prefilter and postfilter groups for 2 of the 3 devices tested (P < .0001). In addition, visible blood was detected on 23% to 40% of the scientific filters for 2 of the devices.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate a potential for bloodborne pathogen exposure with the use of intravascular devices with a retractable mechanism. This experiment may serve as a model in the design and implementation of future sharps device evaluation protocols to validate the threat of bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Haiduven
Donna
D
Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612-3805, USA. dhaiduve@hsc.usf.edu
Applegarth
Shawn
S
Shroff
Miloni
M
D001801:Blood Stains; D004869:Equipment Safety; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*