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