Abstract
BMJ 1991;302:769-70 The use of needles is an essential part of providing medical care but is potentially hazardous to staff. Awareness of hazards, use of the correct equipment, and a consistent and careful technique are all of great importance in preventing needlestick injuries. To date 13 cases of occupationally contracted AIDS caused by needlestick injuries with hollow bore needles have been documented worldwide (N Gill, K Porter, personal communication). Nevertheless the overall risk of contracting HIV infection after a simple needle? stick injury with a needle known to be contaminated is estimated to be less than 0-5%,' ? whereas the risk of hepatitis B virus infection has been estimated to be 3 16%.2 Although the risk of hepatitis B virus infection can be eliminated by vaccination,4 vaccination of all staff at risk is probably unattainable. The recent Department of Health guidelines state:
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