Needle safety features are designed to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. These features vary, but their primary goal is to shield or retract the needle after use.
Types of Needle Safety Features
Here's a breakdown of common safety mechanisms found on needles:
- Self-Sheathing: This involves a shield that slides over the needle and locks into place after use.
- Retractable: With this feature, the needle retracts directly into the syringe body after activation.
- Add-on Device: This refers to a hinged or sliding shield that is attached to the needle.
- Eclipse Needles: These needles feature an attached, single-handed safety mechanism that locks over the needle.
Here's a table summarizing the safety features:
| Safety Feature | Description | Activation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Sheathing | A shield slides over the needle and locks. | Manually slide the shield after injection. |
| Retractable | The needle retracts into the syringe. | Usually activated by a button or lever on the syringe. |
| Add-on Device | Hinged or sliding shield attached to the needle. | Manually move the shield after injection. |
| Eclipse Needles | Attached single-handed safety mechanism that locks over the needle | Single-handed activation to lock the shield. |
Importance of Needle Safety Features
The implementation of these safety features plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of needlestick injuries for healthcare workers and others who handle needles. By providing a physical barrier or retracting the needle, these designs minimize the chances of accidental contact with a contaminated needle, thereby lowering the risk of infection.
