NEEDLESTICK INJURY RATE REDUCTION DURING PHLEBOTOMY - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF 2 SAFETY DEVICES

Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Lab Liaison Services evaluated two phlebotomy devices designed to reduce needlestick injuries in phlebotomy. Analysis during the 17-month evaluation period showed the rate of needlestick injuries using a standard phlebotomy device was 28 injuries per 100 employees, use of a recapping device decreased the rate to 26 injuries per 100 employees, and use of a needle-sheathing device that eliminates recapping and disassembly reduced the rate to only five injuries per 100 employees. This represents an 82% reduction in the needlestick injury rate. The use of a needle-sheathing device eliminated all recapping, disassembly, and disposal injuries. The dramatic reduction of needlestick injuries has led to a safer working environment for laboratory employees.