Venipuncture Research Articles

Severe cervical hematoma following central venous puncture under ultrasound guidance in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report

We report the case of a 56-year-old male diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia who developed a severe cervical hematoma following an ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein catheterization. Despite receiving platelet transfusions prior to the procedure, the patient experienced progressive hematoma enlargement, leading to respiratory distress. Further investigations, including carotid Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), ruled out arterial injury, but thromboelastography revealed severe coagulation dysfunction. The patient subsequently developed cerebral hemorrhage and died despite intensive care interventions.

HV interval measure immediately before TAVI with SEV for predicting pacemaker implantation

Abstract Introduction Although improvements, new onset persistent disturbances in electrocardiogram (ECG) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains up to 34% at hospital discharge (1), needing permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) in self-expanding valves (SEV) as high as 15-27% (2,3). In post TAVI scenario, European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend an electrophyisiologic study centered in His-ventricular electrogram (HV) interval measure for assessing risk of progression to high auriculoventricular block (AVB), if abnormal a PPM is indicated (4,5). We aim to predict PPM through basal HV interval measurement prior TAVI with SEV. Furthermore, we aim to compare different current SEV with basal HV interval and the distinct rate of PPM before discharge. Methods and Results Single-center prospective cohort study, patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for TAVI, sinus rhythm at intervention day, without PPM or history of PPM indication were included. At time of TAVI, contralateral venous puncture to femoral arterial access was made, a tetrapolar catheter was advanced and placed at the septal aspect of tricuspid valve searching for His electrogram. A mobile polygraph was used to measure ECG parameters and HV interval before TAVI. Then, a tetrapolar catheter was advanced to ventricle to perform rapid stimulation as part of habitual valve implantation protocol. After procedure, we performed rhythm surveillance for at least >48-72 hours and based in electrical evolution one of three decisions was made: 1)PPM implant, 2)late post TAVI HV interval re-measure or 3)clinical daily ECG vigilance, if this last was normal, unchanged from basal or with new but stable conduction disturbances, discharge were indicated following ESC guidelines. A total of 41 patients were enrolled, median age 84±4 years, 24 females (54.5%), PR mean 198±42ms, QRS mean 112±30ms. 18 had a 1st degree AVB (40.9%) of whom 13 (72.5%) had a PR ˂240ms. EPS data showed prior HV interval mean of 55±9ms. A Mild abnormal HV interval (56-69ms) were seen in 21 patients (51.2%), of whom 12 had a narrow QRS. SEV implanted were 11 (25%) Medtronic CoreValve Evolut+, 5 (11.4%) Biosensors Allegra, 25 (56.8%) Abbott Navitor. Post TAVI procedure, 5 (12.2%) women and 8 (19.5%) men met criteria for PPM implantation before discharge. One woman was implanted 6 days after discharge due to high AVB (66ms HV interval prior TAVR). In a multivariate analysis including sex, age, PR, QRS and HV interval >55ms, valve type the RR (IC 95% 1.37-30.99) risk of PPM was 6.52 folds higher (p=0.019). Conclusions An HV interval >55ms before TAVI with SEV increases risk of PPM after TAVI and before hospital discharge. There was no difference in PPM implantation after TAVI between different SEV types in our center.

Catheter Exchange With Elongation of Tunnel (CEET) Procedure-A Novel Technique for Cuff Extrusion of Tunneled Dialysis Catheter: Surgical Experience and Early Outcomes.

Cuff extrusion of tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) leads to catheter dysfunction, leading to loss of vascular access and the need for new catheter. Definitive management is to remove TDC and reinsert new catheter by new venous puncture and tunnel, which may not be possible in all cases. The study evaluated the surgical experience and early outcomes of a novel "Catheter Exchange with Elongation of Tunnel (CEET)" procedure for cuff extrusion. The retrospective study included all cases of hemodialysis with TDC with partial or complete cuff extrusion and excluded complete catheter dislodgement, tunnel infection, or any catheter related infection. All patients also underwent the CEET procedure under fluoroscopy guidance, and the clinical details and outcomes were analyzed. Eleven cases of TDC cuff extrusion underwent the CEET procedure of which three (27.2%) had previous and four (36.4%) had partial cuff extrusion, and seven cases (63.6%) had short tunnel length, which likely predisposed to cuff extrusion. CEET procedure was successful in 10 cases (success rate 90.1%) with desired position of catheter tip and good blood flow. Study population was divided into early and late cuff extrusion (≥1 month). Short tunnel length was associated with late extrusion (p = 0.05), whereas premature removal of TDC anchor sutures was associated with early cuff extrusion (p = 0.04). CEET procedure is a successful alternative technique for correction of cuff extrusion of TDC with good success rate. Premature removal of anchor sutures was associated with early cuff extrusion, whereas short tunnel length was associated with late cuff extrusion.

Factors Associated With Needle Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India

Factors Associated With Needle Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India

Prevalence of Needle Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Centre in Kochi, India

Prevalence of Needle Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Centre in Kochi, India

Ultrasound-Guided Venous Puncture Reduces Groin Complications in Electrophysiological Procedures.

Background: In electrophysiological procedures, multiple punctures on the femoral vein can be necessary depending on the number of catheters required. The femoral vein is typically located indirectly by using its anatomical relationship to the artery as a reference. However, this conventional approach can lead to significant complications, including bleeding, peri-interventional transfusion, pseudoaneurysms, or arteriovenous fistulas. Despite these risks, there is limited evidence comparing the safety of ultrasound-guided venipuncture versus the conventional technique in electrophysiological procedures. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ultrasound-guided venipuncture on vascular access complications in electrophysiological procedures and to identify associated risk factors. Methods: In this single-center trial, patients scheduled for electrophysiological procedures at Ulm University Heart Center, Germany, were enrolled between November 2021 and October 2023. Venipuncture in the groin was performed using either the conventional or an ultrasound-guided approach. The primary composite endpoint was defined as peri-interventional major vascular access complications (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) ≥2 bleeding, pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, and peri-interventional transfusion) and minor complications (BARC 1). Results: A total of 1370 patients were included: 749 in the conventional group and 621 in the ultrasound group. The primary endpoint was achieved in 19.2% of the conventional group and 12.1% of the ultrasound group (p < 0.001). An increased sheath diameter and a higher number of venous accesses were identified as risk factors for the primary endpoint. Conclusions: Ultrasound guidance for venous groin puncture in electrophysiological procedures reduces access-related complications, supporting its use with careful attention to sheath size and number.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: Knowledge, compliance and perceived barriers among dental practitioners of public and private dental institutes in Karachi

Objective: To assess the knowledge and use of universal precautions for blood-borne pathogens and to assess the perceived barriers of adherence to universal precautions at workplace among dentists at public and private dental hospitals in Karachi. In addition, the frequency of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and needle stick injuries among dentists in the last six months. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the dental institutes of Karachi. The study tool was a self-administered healthcare professional questionnaire inquiring about respondent characteristics, knowledge level, universal precautions practices, compliance with UP, and body fluid exposure. Of the 500, 370 questionnaires were completed and included in the study. Results: Dentists at both public and private institutes showed the highest percentages (&gt;90%) for statements about HIV/Hepatitis B and C and the route of transmission of these pathogens. Of the 12 up practices, dentists at both institutes showed higher compliance values (&gt;80%) for 5 statements. Overall compliance (at least 60% responses were always in category) was 48% in public practitioners and 13.5% in private institutes. The perceived barriers in UP practices were identified as: unavailability of policies posted in department (pub: 30%, pvt: 82.3%), tough job duties (pub: 50%, pvt: 37.2). Altogether, 309 exposure incidents were reported by dentists in the public sector and 235 in the private sector for the last 6 months before the study. Conclusion: It was concluded that dentists at both institutes have adequate knowledge of blood borne pathogens and adhere to most of universal precautions practices. In the public sector, dentists have a comparatively lower number of factors that interfere with universal precautions than private institutes. Dental institutes should be vigilant about UP adherence among dentists working in OPDs.

Wire-in-needle versus conventional syringe-on-needle technique for ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion in the internal jugular vein: the WIN randomized trial.

There are different techniques for ultrasound-guided central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. When using the conventional syringe-on-needle technique, the syringe needs to be removed from the needle after venous puncture to pass the guidewire through the needle into the vein. When, alternatively, using the wire-in-needle technique, the needle is preloaded with the guidewire, and the guidewire-after venous puncture-is advanced into the vein under real-time ultrasound guidance. We tested the hypothesis that the wire-in-needle technique reduces the time to successful guidewire insertion in the internal jugular vein compared with the syringe-on-needle technique in adults. We randomized 250 patients to the wire-in-needle or syringe-on-needle technique. Our primary endpoint was the time to successful guidewire insertion in the internal jugular vein. Two hundred and thirty eight patients were analyzed. The median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) time to successful guidewire insertion was 22 (16, 38) s in patients assigned to the wire-in-needle technique and 25 (19, 34) s in patients assigned to the syringe-on-needle technique (estimated location shift: 2s; 95%-confidence-interval: - 1 to 5s, p = 0.165). CVC insertion was successful on the first attempt in 103/116 patients (89%) assigned to the wire-in-needle technique and in 113/122 patients (93%) assigned to the syringe-on-needle technique. CVC insertion-related complications occurred in 8/116 patients (7%) assigned to the wire-in-needle technique and 19/122 patients (16%) assigned to the syringe-on-needle technique. The wire-in-needle technique-compared with the syringe-on-needle technique-did not reduce the time to successful guidewire insertion in the internal jugular vein. Clinicians can consider either technique for ultrasound-guided CVC insertion in adults.

Exploring barriers to and facilitators of infection prevention and control practices in the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

BackgroundAdherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) standards and guidelines by healthcare workers is essential for reducing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, IPC practices among healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, are generally inadequate. This research aims to identify the barriers to and facilitators of IPC practices in the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.MethodsWe employed a rapid ethnographic assessment (REA) approach for this study, using focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and observations to collect data. Participants were selected from the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of TASH, and data collection took place in March and April 2022. Two FGDs and eight IDIs were conducted in the participants’ workplace within the department. Unstructured guides were used to facilitate the FGDs and IDIs. Nvivo version 10 software was used for data organization and analysis. The data were coded deductively through thematic analysis to identify similar ideas and concepts, based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model.ResultA total of 23 healthcare workers participated, with 15 in FGDs and 8 in IDIs. The study identified several barriers to IPC practices, including nonadherence to IPC practice protocols, lack of pre-employment training, space constraints, insufficient maintenance and repair of equipment, limited management engagement and support, shortage of resources and budget, incidents of needle stick injuries and infections, high workloads for healthcare workers, shortages of personal protective equipment and water supply, and inadequate waste management. We also identified some facilitators, including the existence of an IPC team and committee, a health education schedule for patients and visitors, morning sessions for healthcare providers, and the presence of television screens in waiting areas. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the facilitators, department heads, IPC team leaders, and decision-makers can develop targeted strategies and interventions to improve infection control, reduce the spread of HAIs, and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare services.ConclusionThis study explored several barriers that contribute to inappropriate and suboptimal IPC practices in the study area. These barriers create significant challenges for healthcare workers and hindering their ability to effectively implement IPC practices. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the problems, which not only affect the current working environment but also compromise the overall quality of care. The hospital administrator should address these critical issues to improving IPC practices and ensuring a safer healthcare environment.

A-348 Portable aptamer-based home monitoring system for blood phenylalanine measurement

Abstract Background Aptatek BioSciences, Inc. has developed a home monitoring tool for blood phenylalanine (phe) levels. The Aptatek system integrates a proprietary aptamer assay approach with a user-friendly handheld, smartphone-enabled test platform. PKU (phenylketonuria), is an inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism If undiagnosed or untreated, phe accumulates in all body tissues, including the blood and brain, where it is especially neurotoxic and when untreated it can cause significant cognitive impairment and neurological defects. PKU management targets maintaining blood Phe concentration within the therapeutic range (120-360uM) to avoid severe neurological sequelae, mainly through nutritional therapy. Methods PheCheck™ includes a portable hand-held reader, software accessible as a mobile phone application, and a disposable single-use lateral flow cassette, blood collection, cap, and buffer chamber. PheCheck™ detects phe by binding of the phe in a small blood sample using small molecule-specific DNA aptamers. A patient (or caregiver) collects 5μl of capillary blood using a lancet to lance the fingertip and use the collection cap to collect the specimen. Once collected, the specimen is placed into the buffer chamber where the blood is diluted and processed in preparation for a lateral flow assay. The buffer chamber is placed on top of a lateral flow cassette to release the solution into the cassette. The lateral flow cassette is inserted into a small electronic reader after specimen incubation. The reader will detect a fluorescent signal from the strip and report the quantitative Phe concentration present in the specimen to the integrated mobile phone application. The reader has a simple design with a single operating push button, USB data connection port, and replaceable battery compartment. The reader reads the output of the lateral flow cassette and reports the result to a Smartphone app. The app is designed to either display the quantitative results or store the results without displaying the quantitative value. Results Twelve patients were trained on the PheCheck system and observed using the system for self-testing. Patients also prepared dried blood spot cards for comparative testing using LC-mass spectrometry. Patients were asked to return to the clinic within two weeks to retest. The blood phenylalanine levels measured by the PheCheck system were within targeted standard deviation of the dried blood spots demonstrating the feasibility of portable home-based testing for routine monitoring of blood phenylalanine levels in phenylketonuria patients. Such a portable system would enable real time monitoring and adjustment of diet or therapy for chronic diseases such as PKU. Conclusions Aptatek has developed a DNA aptamer based portable monitor for measuring blood phenylalanine levels. The system quantitatively measures phenylalanine from a 5-microliter finger stick blood sampler. Aptamer-based detection of phenylalanine provides reliable quantitation across a wide clinical concentration range and encouraging performance relative to gold standard testing of venous blood draw or dried blood spots. Analysis of samples from patients on Palynziq indicate that the PheCheck system could provide more reliable testing than venous blood draws. The system shows strong promise for routine home monitoring of blood phe levels by patients.

Assessing the Impact of Educational Strategies on Reducing Needle Stick Injuries for Nurses in Jordanian Hospitals

Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are frequent occupational health hazards among nurses with several consequences including blood-borne infections. Literature indicates inadequate knowledge among nurses as an important associated risk factor. Notwithstanding, little attention has been given to the intervention programs to reduce the occurrences of NSIs in Jordan. The main objective of this research was to implement and assessing the impact of educational modules and strategies to minimize NSIs for nurses in Jordanian hospitals. Methods: a randomized control trial design with four arms including three intervention groups and one control group was applied. A total of 400 nurses were selected based on stratified random sampling from the four randomly sampled private hospitals. The educational intervention was then provided through three different strategies (Social Media (SM), Audio-Visual (AV), and combined method). Data were collected in three phases, at baseline, after three months, and after six months of the intervention. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the number of NSIs between the control and combined strategy groups (P= 0.002). After 6 months, significant differences were found between control and SM groups (P=0.032), control and AV groups (P= 0.007), and control and combined groups (P&lt;0.001). The leading risk factors of NSIs included fatigue (P&lt;0.001), lack of assistance (P= 0.001), emotional distress (P= .021), being rushed (P= .002), and Lack of skills (P= .001). The hierarchical regression for the prediction of changes in NSIs occurrence produced a model with four predictors after three months (P&lt; .001), and six predictors after six months (P&lt; .001). Conclusion: The educational intervention significantly decreased the occurrences of NSIs. Hospital administrators must consider significant risk factors for NSIs.

Occupational Risks Prevention Practices Among Medical Waste Handlers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Medical waste handlers are at immediate risk of needle stick injuries and exposure to infectious materials from medical waste. Adequate knowledge and safe practices on the part of the workers are essential for the prevention of nosocomial infections. Objective: To assess and compare the factors involved in occupational risk prevention practices among medical waste handlers in two tertiary hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study compared medical waste handlers and the risk prevention measures available in a specialist hospital and a teaching hospital. The 100 participants were randomly selected and surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of needle stick injury at the teaching hospital and specialist hospital were 38% and 28%, respectively. Hepatitis B vaccine uptake was 6% in the teaching hospital compared to 70% at the specialist hospital. There was a significant difference concerning the provision of safety equipment (p&lt;0.001), personal protective equipment (PPE) (p&lt;0.001), Hepatitis vaccine (p&lt;0.001), training (p&lt;0.001) and availability of waste management policy (p = 0.015) but no significant difference concerning the regular supply of water and soap (p = 0.494) between both institutions. Conclusion: The waste handlers at the specialist hospital were better equipped for safety than those at the teaching hospital. A safer environment, equipment, and training for medical waste handlers are needed to enable them to practise occupational risk prevention more effectively.

Understanding Needle Stick Injuries among First-Year Nursing Students

Understanding Needle Stick Injuries among First-Year Nursing Students

EVALUATION OF NEEDLE STICK INJURY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN AL NAJAF CITY/ IRAQ

Introduction:In healthcare-related situations, needle sticks represent a substantial work-related health risk. Healthcare professionals face the danger of contracting blood-borne infections as well as the psychological impact of these wounds. The study aimedtoevaluate the prevalence of needle stick injuries and the associated socio-demographic determinants among healthcare workers.Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional design, with data collection occurring from February 1st, 2023 to February 1st, 2024. 380participants were conveniently selected from different Al-Najaf City/Iraq healthcare institutions. The study sample included a variety of specialists, including anesthetics, surgeons, dentists, surgeon assistants, anesthetics assistants, nurses, physicians, and laboratory workers. A self-administered questionnaire from previously published articles was used for data collection. It covers socio-demographic information, a history of previous exposure to, and the reasons for needle stick injuries.Quantitative variables were summarized with means and standard deviations; descriptive statistics for categorical variables included frequencies and percentages. P ≤ 0.05 indicated statistical significance.Results: Most healthcare workers (85%) were previously exposed to needle sticks. Job category was significantly associated with a history of needle stick exposure (p &lt; 0.001). The anesthetics represent the highest job class exposed to needle sticks (100%). More than one-fifth of participants (21.85%) reported recapping needles followed by bending needles in 16.84% of them as a cause of needle stick injuries. Conclusion: Most healthcare workers are exposed to needle stick injuries; job category is an important risk factor

Prevalence and factors contributing to needle stick injuries among healthcare workers at acute care hospital in central Saudi Arabia

Prevalence and factors contributing to needle stick injuries among healthcare workers at acute care hospital in central Saudi Arabia

The Relationship of Work, Social Culture, and Family Support In Providing Exclusive Breastfeeding to Mothers of Babies (0-6 Months) in The Working Area of The Puskesmas Tana Lia, Tana Lia District

Spinal anaesthetic needle prick pain is an unpleasant experience that results in losses from spinal anaesthesia, so it needs to be treated. Deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy are effective non-pharmacological pain management methods. In addition to increasing comfort, reducing pain can also provide convenience and speed in the process of injecting spinal anesthetic needles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy on the pain intensity of spinal anaesthetic needle pricks at Kardinah Hospital, Tegal. This study employed a quasi-experiment research method, utilizing a two-group post-test design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a total of 72 respondents who were divided into groups of deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy. Data analysis used the Mann-Whitney The results of the non-parametric statistical test with the Man Whitney test obtained p = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05), so Ha was accepted, meaning that there was a difference in the pain intensity of spinal needle stick anesthesia given deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy. rapy. The study concluded that there were differences in the pain intensity of spinal anaesthetic needle pricks at Kardinah Hospital, Tegal, between deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy.

Perbedaan Teknik Relaksasi Pernafasan Dalam dengan Aromaterapi Lavender terhadap Intensitas Nyeri Tusukan Jarum Anestesi Spinal

Spinal anaesthetic needle prick pain is an unpleasant experience that results in losses from spinal anaesthesia, so it needs to be treated. Deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy are effective non-pharmacological pain management methods. In addition to increasing comfort, reducing pain can also provide convenience and speed in the process of injecting spinal anesthetic needles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy on the pain intensity of spinal anaesthetic needle pricks at Kardinah Hospital, Tegal. This study employed a quasi-experiment research method, utilizing a two-group post-test design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a total of 72 respondents who were divided into groups of deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy. Data analysis used the Mann-Whitney The results of the non-parametric statistical test with the Man Whitney test obtained p = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05), so Ha was accepted, meaning that there was a difference in the pain intensity of spinal needle stick anesthesia given deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy. rapy. The study concluded that there were differences in the pain intensity of spinal anaesthetic needle pricks at Kardinah Hospital, Tegal, between deep breathing relaxation techniques and lavender aromatherapy.

Situation and associated factors of needle stick and sharps injuries among health-care workers in a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional survey

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with needle stick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) among health-care workers (HCWs) in a tertiary hospital in China.Materials and methodsThis retrospective survey was conducted with 562 HCWs at a tertiary hospital in China in July 2023. Information was collected using a self-designed questionnaire, and all enrolled members were required to fill in the demographic characteristics, occurrence of NSSIs and other associated factors in the past year. Logistic analysis was used to identify variables associated with NSSIs.ResultsThe proportion of participants with at least one injury within the year preceding the investigation was 21.2%. Male (AOR = 2.116 [1.265, 3.538]), working hours per week > 40 (AOR = 1.718 [1.056,2.796]), rarely checking blood-borne infections before invasive operations (AOR = 2.219 [1.303,3.782]) were significantly associated with NSSIs.ConclusionThe prevalence of NSSIs was not low in the survey area, especially in male, individuals with longer working hours, and rarely checking blood-borne infections before invasive operations. Therefore, it is necessary to promote educational programs to enhance awareness of standard prevention measures, especially for key populations, and reduce heavy workloads to decrease the occurrence of such injuries.

The Relationship Between Nurses’ Knowledge and Needle Stick Injury Prevention Behavior

A frequent work accident in the hospitals is needle stick injury. Nurses always contact with blood, patient’s body fluids, punctured needles used by patients and other dangers which can be a medium of disease transmission. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge and needle stick injury prevention behavior. This study used a correlational analytical design with a cross-sectional method, and used cluster sampling techniques to obtain 88 respondents. The data were gathered by using the Lubis questionnaire to measure knowledge and behavior in the prevention of needle stick injury. Then, the data were analyzed by a contingency coefficient test. It was found that 83 nurses (94.3%) had good knowledge and 85 nurses (96.6%) had good behavior. The data about nurses’ knowledge was analyzed and obtained a value of p = 0.000 and a value of contingency coefficient = 0.444, meaning that there was a relationship between knowledge and needle stick injury prevention behavior. Prevention efforts can be carried out by providing guidance, training, direction, and supervision, so that nurses’ awareness increase and they can work safely.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of anaesthesia personnel towards needle stick injuries in a tertiary care hospital.

The cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. A questionnaire was distributed amongst anaesthesia personnel, including faculty, residents, medical officers, technicians, recovery room nurses and pain nurses working in the Department of Anaesthesiology for >3 months. Knowledge, attitudes and practices were assessed according to the operational definitions. Of the 162 respondents, 106(65.4%) were males and 56(34.6%) were females. The overall mean age was 31±6.2 years. Adequate knowledge was found in 41(25%) subjects. Overall, 56(35%) respondents reported having had a needle-stick injury, and, among them, 49(87.5%) had a positive attitude. Also, 156(96.3%) participants followed good practices. Although entirely preventable, needle stick injuries were found to be common, indicating the need for proper implementation or revision of existing policies and attainment of safe needle devices.