Injection safety aims to protect healthcare workers and patients from harm during the injection process. A primary recommendation focuses on the type of injection devices used.
The key recommendation is to use injection devices with a sharps injury protection feature (SIP) when administering intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intradermal injections. This recommendation is considered conditional and is based on moderate quality evidence.
Why use devices with sharps injury protection?
These devices are designed to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries, which can expose healthcare workers to bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. SIP features include:
- Retractable needles: Needles that automatically retract into the syringe after use.
- Sheathing devices: Mechanisms that allow the needle to be covered immediately after injection.
- Self-blunting needles: Needles that become blunt after use to prevent penetration.
Benefits of using SIP devices:
- Reduced risk of needlestick injuries.
- Decreased exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
- Enhanced safety for healthcare workers.
- Potential cost savings associated with preventing and treating needlestick injuries.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable Needles | Needle retracts into syringe after use | Eliminates exposed needle, preventing accidental sticks |
| Sheathing Devices | Allows covering the needle immediately after injection | Provides a barrier against accidental sticks during disposal |
| Self-Blunting Needles | Needle becomes blunt after injection | Reduces the risk of penetration if accidental contact occurs |
While the use of SIP devices is strongly recommended, it is important to complement this with proper training and adherence to safe injection practices. These include:
- Proper disposal of sharps in designated containers.
- Avoiding recapping needles.
- Following standard precautions for infection control.
- Reporting all needlestick injuries immediately.
