ISIPS Unveils 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Month & Welcomes Roncadelle Operations and Medicalock as New Members

ISIPS Unveils 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Month & Welcomes Roncadelle Operations and Medicalock as New Members

[Spanish Fork, UT, 12/6/2023] – The International Sharps Injury Prevention Society (ISIPS) is thrilled to announce the 22nd Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month in December 2023. This month-long event serves as a platform to raise awareness about the critical importance of using safety syringes to prevent needlestick injuries in healthcare settings.

Sharps injuries, particularly needlestick injuries, pose a significant risk to healthcare workers worldwide. These injuries can lead to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, causing severe health consequences. The Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month aims to educate healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public about the importance of adopting safety measures to prevent such injuries.

During this month-long event, ISIPS will collaborate with various healthcare organizations, industry leaders, and stakeholders to promote the use of safety syringes and sharps injury prevention practices. Through educational campaigns, webinars, workshops, and social media initiatives, ISIPS will emphasize the significance of implementing safety protocols and technologies to safeguard healthcare workers and patients alike.

In addition to the exciting announcement of the 22nd Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, ISIPS is delighted to welcome two new members to their esteemed organization. Roncadelle Operations, a renowned healthcare solutions provider, and Medicalock, a leading manufacturer of innovative medical devices, have joined ISIPS in their mission to prevent sharps injuries and promote a safer healthcare environment.

Roncadelle Operations, with its expertise in healthcare solutions, brings valuable insights, experience, and unique safety products to ISIPS. Their commitment to improving patient safety aligns perfectly with ISIPS’ vision, making them an invaluable addition to the organization. To learn more about Roncadelle Operations, please visit their website at www.roncadelle-operations.com.

Medicalock, known for its cutting-edge medical devices, is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that enhance safety in healthcare settings. Their membership in ISIPS further strengthens the organization’s ability to drive change and promote the adoption of advanced sharps injury prevention technologies. For more information about Medicalock, please visit their website at https://surgilock.com/.

ISIPS is excited to collaborate with Roncadelle Operations and Medicalock, as well as existing members, to advance sharps injury prevention initiatives globally. Together, they will work towards creating a safer environment for healthcare professionals and patients, reducing the risk of needlestick injuries, and ultimately saving lives.

For more information about the 22nd Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month visit the ISIPS website at www.isips.org.

About ISIPS:
The International Sharps Injury Prevention Society (ISIPS) is a global organization dedicated to promoting sharps injury prevention and safe healthcare practices. With a mission to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and bloodborne pathogen transmission, ISIPS collaborates with healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for the adoption of safety measures in healthcare settings.

Contact:
Ron Stoker
Executive Director
ISIPS
801-897-8131
ron@isips.org

Preventing Needlestick and Sharps Injuries in the Healthcare Industry

Preventing Needlestick and Sharps Injuries in the Healthcare Industry

What risks do these types of injuries present for healthcare workers, and what can be done to keep workers safe?

In healthcare settings, the safety and well-being of healthcare workers are paramount. One overlooked area of concern is the occurrence of needlestick and sharps injuries. These incidents, often a consequence of mishandling medical waste, pose a significant health risk to healthcare professionals. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of needlestick and sharps injuries, their implications, and practical steps for their prevention.

Understanding Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
A needlestick injury is a percutaneous piercing wound typically caused by a needlepoint, resulting in exposure to potentially harmful body fluids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Such injuries often occur during the use, disassembly, or disposal of needles.

Sharps injuries are similar to needlestick injuries, but they involve any sharp medical instrument, including scalpels, lancets, and broken glass or capillary tubes. Sharps injuries occur most often during instrument passing, cleaning, or disposal processes, per the CDC.

Needlestick and sharps injuries often occur during high-stress situations, such as emergency medical procedures. Other common scenarios include mishandling sharps waste, hurried movements, inadequate staff training, and neglecting the usage of PPE.

Risks and Consequences of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. Healthcare workers exposed to needlestick and sharps injuries are at a high risk of contracting bloodborne pathogens such as:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This highly infectious virus affects the liver, causing acute and chronic disease.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Like HBV, HCV also affects the liver, leading to life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Although the risk is low, it’s still possible to contract HIV through needlestick and sharps injuries.


Psychological and Emotional Impact on Healthcare Workers. The occurrence of a needlestick or sharps injury can lead to significant psychological stress. This stress, along with the fear of potential infection, can greatly affect healthcare workers’ mental health and job performance.

For more info

Needletape: A detailed look at its role in the Healthcare Sector

Needletape: A Detailed Look at Its Role in the Healthcare Sector

Needlestick injuries A Detailed Look at Its Role in the Healthcare Sector are a serious occupational hazard for health workers, exposing them to the risk of infections and diseases. These injuries not only affect the physical and mental health of the workers but also impose a huge economic burden on the health system. However, needlestick injuries can be overcome by the right inventions of health enterprises.

Innovative technologies and products can help prevent, detect, and treat needlestick injuries, as well as reduce the use of needles and syringes. For example, some health enterprises have developed needle-free injection devices, retractable or auto-disable syringes, safety- engineered needles, needle disposal systems, and rapid diagnostic tests for blood-borne pathogens. These inventions can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of needlestick injuries, as well as improve the safety and quality of health care.

Let us explore one of the most promising inventions of health enterprises that are tackling the challenge of needlestick injuries. Let us also share some stories of health workers who have benefited from these inventions and how they have changed their lives for the better. Let us explore and support these health enterprises and their efforts to protect the health and well-being of health workers around the world.

Needletape
A needletape is a medical device that consists of a thin strip of adhesive tape with tiny needles embedded on one side. It is designed to deliver drugs or vaccines through the skin without the use of syringes or injections. Needletape has several advantages over conventional methods of drug delivery, such as:

● It is painless and minimally invasive, as the needles are so small that they do not cause bleeding or discomfort.

● It is easy and convenient to use, as it can be applied by anyone, anywhere, without the need for trained personnel or sterile equipment.

● It is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as it reduces the waste and risks associated with needles and syringes, such as needlestick injuries, infections, and disposal problems.

● It is versatile and customizable, as it can deliver different types of drugs or vaccines, in different doses and durations, depending on the needs of the patient. Needletape has been used for various applications in the healthcare sector, such as:

● Vaccination: Needletape can deliver vaccines against infectious diseases, such as influenza, measles, polio, and COVID-19. It can also stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against cancer cells or allergens.

● Pain management: Needletape can deliver analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain or inflammation caused by chronic conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or migraine.

● Diabetes management: Needletape can deliver insulin or other drugs to regulate blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. It can also monitor glucose levels and adjust the dose accordingly.

● Wound healing: Needletape can deliver growth factors or antibiotics to promote wound healing and prevent infection. It can also provide mechanical support and protection to the wound site.

Needletape is a promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector. It offers a safe, effective, and convenient way of delivering drugs or vaccines to patients, improving their health outcomes and quality of life. Needletape is also a humane and compassionate alternative to injections, as it reduces the pain and fear associated with needles. Needletape is a breakthrough innovation that deserves more attention and recognition from the public and the medical community.

Courtesy Marea Enterprises

ISIPS Welcomes Two New Members in the Fight Against Sharps Injuries

The International Sharps Injury Prevention Society (ISIPS) is proud to announce the addition of two new members to their organization: Roncadelle Operations and Medicalock. These companies have joined forces with ISIPS in their mission to prevent sharps injuries and promote safe practices in the healthcare industry.

Roncadelle Operations, a leading provider of medical solutions, brings its retractable safety syringe to the table. This innovative syringe is designed to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries for healthcare workers. With a simple one-handed operation, the needle is safely retracted into the syringe after use, eliminating the need for manual recapping and reducing the risk of accidental punctures.

Medicalock, a pioneer in surgical instrument safety, has also joined ISIPS in its efforts. Their Surgilock system is an adhesive cross-linked polymer pad that securely holds both metallic and non-metallic instruments and prevents them from breaking the sterile field or landing on the floor.  This technology has been proven to reduce sharps injuries and improve overall safety in the operating room.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roncadelle Operations and Medicalock to our organization,” says Ron Stoker, President and Executive Director of ISIPS. “Their commitment to promoting safe practices and preventing sharps injuries aligns perfectly with our mission. We believe that by working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing the number of injuries and infections caused by sharps in the healthcare industry and beyond.”

ISIPS is dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to healthcare professionals in their efforts to prevent sharps injuries. With the addition of Roncadelle Operations and Medicalock, ISIPS is confident in its ability to continue making strides in this important cause.

For more information on ISIPS and their new members, please visit their website at www.isips.org. Together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for healthcare workers and patients alike. For more information email ron@isips.org or 801-783-3817.

International Sharps Injury Prevention Society Promotes 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month in December 2023

International Sharps Injury Prevention Society Promotes 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month in December 2023

The International Sharps Injury Prevention Society (ISIPS) is proud to announce the upcoming 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, taking place in December 2023. This month-long event aims to raise awareness about the importance of using safety syringes to prevent needlestick injuries in healthcare settings.

Needlestick injuries, also known as sharps injuries, occur when a healthcare worker is accidentally punctured or cut by a used needle or other sharp medical device. These injuries can have serious consequences, including the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2 million healthcare workers experience needlestick injuries every year, highlighting the urgent need for prevention measures.

ISIPS, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sharps injury prevention, has been at the forefront of advocating for the use of safety syringes. These devices are designed with features that prevent accidental needlestick injuries, such as retractable needles and needle shields. By using safety syringes, healthcare workers can significantly reduce their risk of sharps injuries and protect themselves from potential infections.

During the 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, ISIPS will be collaborating with healthcare organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to spread the message of sharps injury prevention. The society will be hosting educational events, sharing resources and best practices, and raising awareness through social media campaigns. Together, we can make a difference in preventing needlestick injuries and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.

ISIPS invites everyone to join in this important cause and help spread the word about the importance of using safety syringes. By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for healthcare workers and patients alike. For more information about the 22nd Annual Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, visit ISIPS’ website at www.isips.org. Let’s make December 2023 a month of sharps injury prevention!