Abstract

INCIDENCE OF NEEDLE STICK/SHARPS INJURIES AND BODY FLUID EXPOSURES FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Kalaivani R.*, Jayapal V., Nandhini Priya J., Maheswari R., Poonguzhali S. and Joshy M. Easow

ABSTRACT

Needle stick/ sharp injuries and body fluid exposures are one of the notifiable occupational injuries to all the HCW’s. Penetrating stab injuries occurs following needle prick/ sharp injuries. As a result, the exposed HCW’s are at high risk of getting infected with blood borne pathogens. This study was aimed to investigate the incidence rate of NSI’s/ sharp injuries and body fluid exposure among HCW’s. Aim: To determine the incidence of Needle stick/ sharp injuries and body fluid exposures and its distribution in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A prospective interventional study was conducted during January 2018 to December 2020 in a tertiary care hospital, involving all the HCW’s. Following each incident, further investigations were done as per institute SOP. Post exposure intervention was done. Continuous educational sessions were made to educate all the groups of HCW’s. Result: The incidence of NSI’s was 0.02 NSI’s per100 in-patient days. Out of 57 incidents documented, all were following needle prick and none of them had blood or body fluid exposures. Among these NSI’s, 28% happened by staff nurses followed by others. The source was found to be very high following IV needle insertion (28%), followed by CBG checking (21%), while collecting blood samples (17.5%) and others. Expect 3.5%, all the HCW’s were found have documented evidence of HBV immunization and significant value of antibody titres. Conclusions: The incidence of NSI’s/body fluid exposure was found to be very significant following IV needle insertion followed by CBG checking. HCW’s of younger age groups were found to be at higher risk.

Keywords: Health-care workers, needle stick injury, occupational exposure, body fluid exposure.