Practices That Put You at Risk.An accidental needlestick should never be accepted as “just part of the profession.” An accidental needlestick can change your life. It could even take your life. Even if you never contract any of the 40 or so diseases that can be passed on through exposure to a bloodborne pathogen, the waiting game endured while post-exposure lab tests are pending is excruciating. Because of the nature of phlebotomy, the risk exists every time the procedure is performed. Safe equipment alone will not reduce the risk to its lowest possible level. It is critical that a combination of safe devices and safe practices are in place every time the procedure is performed. Safety devices must be used correctly and activated immediately upon removal from the patient. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. It can and it will if you are not using safety devices or using them improperly. Because of the seriousness of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, facilities should base their policies on OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard guidelines and insist that all employees follow them. Are you guilty of any of these risky behaviors? Show
Needlestick prevention is not optional. It is a requirement. OSHA requires healthcare facilities enforce safety regulations. Every facility has policies in place to protect healthcare workers. Sometimes those policies have to protect healthcare workers from themselves. Changing work habits can be difficult, but you put yourself and your facility at unnecessary risk if you don’t use proper equipment and procedure. Always use safety devices, use them correctly, and follow proper procedure and facility policy. Note: This article is available with a quiz and answer sheet for in-house continuing education. See the link below to the ATM titled "Needlestick Prevention." More educational materials to help prevent accidental needlesticks and other exposures in your facility:What is the first thing the phlebotomist should do after an incident?What is the first thing the phlebotomist should do in the event of an accidental needlestick? Decontaminate the site and fill out and incident report.
What should be done first in the event of a sharps injury quizlet?The first step to take after a sharps injury is to wash the area with soap and water for a minimum of 30 seconds. Most soap solutions available in healthcare facilities are antimicrobial. Sterile saline or 70% alcohol are not necessary. Disinfectants are used for surfaces, not on skin.
What is the most critical step in phlebotomy?Patient ID, the process of verifying a patient's iden- tity, is the most important step in specimen collection. Obtaining a specimen from the wrong patient can have serious, even fatal, consequences, especially specimens for type and cross-match prior to blood transfusion.
What precaution should you take to prevent injury from a needlestick quizlet?What precaution should you take to prevent injury from a needlestick? Immediately discard the needle and syringe in a puncture-proof container.
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