Watch our for Needles: Staying Safe at Work

Watch Out for Needles: Staying Safe at Work

Janitorial workers face a hidden danger: needles.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) warns that needles can be found anywhere, especially in bathrooms near toilets, sinks, and under dispensers.

Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Be aware: Look before reaching into hidden areas, use tools for limited visibility, and wear puncture-resistant gloves when handling trash bags or bins. Never touch needles with bare hands.
  • If stuck by a needle:
    • Seek immediate medical attention and inform them it happened at work.
    • File a workers’ compensation claim with your healthcare provider.
    • Report the incident to your employer.

By following these simple steps, janitorial workers can protect themselves from the risks of needlesticks and ensure a safe work environment.

Manual Needle Destruction

Manual Needle Destroyers: Safe Sharps Disposal for Healthcare

In some parts of the world where safety needles and syringes will be used it is important to make traditional needles as safe as possible.

Used needles and syringes pose a risk of infection and must be disposed of safely. Manual needle destroyers are essential tools for healthcare workers, offering several benefits:

  • Reduced needlestick injuries: Destroyers safely deactivate needles at the point of use, minimizing accidental pricks.
  • Safer waste disposal: Destroyed needles are contained within the device, preventing environmental contamination.
  • Regulation compliance: Facilitates proper disposal according to healthcare waste regulations.
  • Cost-effective: Helps reduce healthcare costs associated with needlestick injuries.

By promoting safety, minimizing environmental risks, and ensuring compliance, manual needle destroyers are crucial for responsible medical waste management in healthcare settings.

.

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!

Can Vein Finder Ease Blood Draws and IVs?

Do you think your veins are difficult to find? You’re not alone. Approximately 30% of the population has trouble with finding their veins, making blood draws and IVs a challenge.

But what if there was a tool that could make these procedures easier – even for those with hard-to-find veins? vein finders can do just that, and in this complete guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about them.

From how they work to the different types available, we’ll cover it all! So keep reading to learn more about this handy medical device and whether or not they ease blood draws and IVs.

What is a vein finder and how does it work
For those who are unfamiliar, a vein finder is a medical device that uses light to illuminate veins beneath the skin. This makes it easier for healthcare professionals to locate and access veins, which can help make procedures like blood draws and IVs simpler and less painful.

The vein finder works by emitting a narrow, near-infrared light into the skin. This light is then absorbed by oxygenated blood in the veins, which causes them to glow or appear as a bright line beneath the surface of the skin.

Some vein finders also use thermal imaging to further improve their accuracy. This technology detects differences in temperature, which can be helpful in locating veins that are difficult to see.

More…

Medical sharps in Portugal: a cross-sectional survey of disposal practices among the diabetic population

We randomly sampled diabetic patients representative of five primary care facilities. Inclusion criteria consisted in patients≥18 years old with an active diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients unable to provide written informed consent were excluded.

A total of 1436 diabetics were included.

Conclusions: Most diabetics have unsafe disposal practices for their biohazardous materials, mostly in unsorted household waste. We identified that being unemployed independently predicts adequate disposal of medical sharps and found evidence of low patient literacy on the topic, as well as poor patient education. Therefore, educating and raising awareness among healthcare professionals is crucial to address this public health issue.

More

Robot pill could help replace insulin injections for diabetics
A robot pill that delivers insulin directly to the gut could replace multiple painful injections for people with diabetes.

It can also deliver antibiotics – offering hope of battling superbugs with oral medications.

For patients and physicians, taking treatments by mouth is most desirable. Swallowing is safer, more convenient and less invasive.

But the drugs often cannot withstand stomach acids before unleashing their payloads for the intended effects. The degradation makes them less effective.The capsule, called RoboCap, could revolutionise therapy. In a swine model, it increased permeability for insulin more than tenfold.

Similar results were seen for vancomycin – an antibiotic that is usually delivered intravenously.

Lead author Dr Giovanni Traverso, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, said: ‘Peptides and proteins are important drugs.

‘But the degradative environment of the gastrointestinal tract and poor absorption has limited the ability to deliver these drugs orally.’

About the size of a blueberry, the inexpensive device is made from biodegradable polymer and stainless steel components.

It makes it through the harsh environment of the stomach, resisting attacks from enzymes and penetrating the small intestine’s mucus barrier and other obstacles.

Currently, many common drugs including insulin must be delivered through other means.

Dr Traverso said: ‘When ingested, RoboCap’s gelatinous coating is dissolved in the stomach.

‘The environment of the small intestine activates RoboCap, which vibrates and rotates to clear mucus, enhance mixing and deposit the drug payload in the small intestine where the drug is likely to be absorbed.

More…