Case-control study of HIV seroconversion in health-care workers after percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood - France, United Kingdom, and United States, January 1988-August 1994

Article Abstract:

Health care workers appear more likely to contract HIV infection from an infected patient if they are stuck deeply with a needle visibly covered with blood that was taken directly from an artery or vein and they refuse to take prophylactic AZT following the incident. Researchers compared risk factors for HIV transmission between 31 HIV-infected health care workers and 679 non-infected workers. All had received needlestick or other sharp instrument injuries while treating an HIV-infected person. Those who sustained a deep injury with a blood-covered needle from a vein or artery were more likely to contract HIV. Those treating terminal patients were more likely to contract HIV, as were those who refused prophylactic AZT, which was offered to approximately 80% of both groups. Only approximately one-third of each group took the drug. AZT reduced the risk of infection by 79%.

HIV (Viruses), HIV, Accidents, Disease transmission

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Evaluation of blunt suture needles in preventing percutaneous injuries among health-care workers during gynecologic surgical procedures - New York City, March 1993-June 1994

Article Abstract:

The use of blunt suture needles could significantly reduce the risk of needlestick injuries among surgeons. These injuries place surgeons at risk for HIV infection. Researchers investigated the effect of using blunt suture needles at 3 New York City hospitals. Of 1,464 surgical procedures, 1,062 involved the use of conventional sharp suture needles, 55 involved the use of blunt needles and 347 involved the use of both needles. Ninety-two percent of the resulting injuries occurred during use of the sharp needle. No injuries occurred during use of the blunt needle. Surgeons reported difficulty using blunt needles in only 6% of the operations.

Methods, Equipment and supplies, Suturing, Gynecology, Operative, Gynecological surgery, Needlestick injuries

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Evaluation of safety devices for preventing percutaneous injuries among health-care workers during phlebotomy procedures - Minneapolis-St Paul, New York City, and San Francisco, 1993-1995

Article Abstract:

Needles designed with safety features can reduce the risk of needlestick injury in health care workers who draw blood. The practice of drawing blood, which is called phlebotomy, puts the technician at a high risk of injury. Researchers at 6 hospitals evaluated three types of needles used during phlebotomy: a resheathable winged steel needle, a bluntable vacuum-tube needle and a vacuum-tube needle with a hinged sheath. Use of these needles substantially reduced the risk of needlestick injury. Many of the injuries occurred before the technician could activate the safety feature.

Safety and security measures, Phlebotomy

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