on 20/10/04 2:45 pm, Sara Werry at [log in to unmask] wrote:
> Hi
>
> What risk is a sterile needle....We have probably got so used to
> thinking of needles as a major hazard when really it is the hazard they
> are transporting that is the risk.
>
> Sara
>
>
> Sara Werry
> Occupational Health Adviser
> Occupational Health Service
> University of East Anglia
> Norwich, NR4 7TJ
> Tel: (01603) 592174
> Fax: (01603) 506579
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Dunn
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>
> Sent: 20 October 2004 14:09
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Re-sheathing needles
>
>
> Glenn,
>
> Having been a District Nurse I sympathise with what they do. I know
> from experience that although not desirable there is no option to do
> otherwise in these cases. The needles are still 'sterile' and would
> definitely not be contaminated with BBV's.
>
> Ideally the nurses should remove the needle and replace it with a fresh
> one.... however, this is not possible with the insulin syringes that
> have an integral needle. It is all down to risk assessment, and I would
> have thought that overall the risk is very, very low.
>
> Regards, Bob
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Glenn Raybone" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 1:40 PM
> Subject: Re-sheathing needles
>
>
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I've recently come across a practice whereby District Nurses draw up a
>
>> weeks supply of insulin in separate syringes for patients at home.
>> Whilst this is normal practice and supported by a policy my concern is
>
>> that it actually states that needles are re-sheathed before being
>> placed in a fridge. Re-sheathing is normally frowned upon, and this
>> has only come to my attention as a member of staff has sustained a
>> needle-stick injury through this practice.
>>
>> What do others think? Does this happen in other areas?
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Glenn Raybone
>>
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>>
>
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Have I missed something here? After reading a couple of replies perhaps I
missed "the point" (no pun intended). I made the assumption that the needle
is re-sheathed and then reused for the same patient for the rest of the week
or for as long as the needle remains sharp.
A similar practice was introduced as a trial on the endocrine unit on which
I worked prior to my move into OH. The practice was stopped due to the risk
of needle stick incidents. If the aim of the exercise is as I have outlined
above then the needle would not be sterile after injection 1 on day 1 and
staff would be at risk of infection from that stage onwards. If the needle
is only used to draw up the insulin then the only saving is one needle. I am
not sure of the unit cost but I presume it is of the order of pence. In
addition, as Alan stated it is also giving mixed messages.
Anne
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