NEEDLE STICK INJURY - REDUCING THE RISK

The incidence of penetrating skin wounds and needle penetration of glo ves during operation was studied in orthopaedic surgeons. Significant hand wounds were found in 11% of surgeons before operations. Glove pen etration during closure of the deep tissues occurred in 16% of outer g loves and 6% of inner gloves when standard needle points were used. Th e surgeon sustained a needle-stick injury in 6% of this group. When a needle with a protective point was used, there were no glove perforati ons. This simple precaution reduces the risk of transmission of blood- borne disease during operation.