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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