SDS programs test safety devices
New technology is available on the market to address the problem of needlesticks, and California same-day surgery programs have been scrambling to try the latest devices since a state law was implemented July 1 that requires providers to use needle devices with engineered sharps injury protection.
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona, CA, is changing the style of its sharps container, says Mary Lynne Weemering, RN, MSN, CNOR, CNS, director of surgical services.
"Nurses have a tendency sometimes as they put a needle into sharps containers, to put their hand in and push it down to make it even," Weemering says. "We have gone to a different style of sharps container that prevents someone from putting her hand in there."
The SharpStar model from Sage Products in Crystal Lake, IL, has a weighted lid that allows a nurse to place the needle on the lid, and the weight drops the needle into the container, Weemering says. (For information on how to contact manufacturers mentioned in this story, see resources box, at right.)
At Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, one change has already been decided: The hospital will use protected needle systems for crash carts. The LifeShield Abboject Syringe is made by Abbott Laboratories in Abbott Park, IL.
"So when you’re opening an emergency drug, instead of a 14-gauge unprotected needle, there’s a cap on it," says Sally Scheurman, RN, BSN, patient care manager for outpatient surgery. "It fits the needleless IV tubing, or you can pull the whole cover off, and it will fit into tubing that’s not needle-free."
In addition, a large number of safety items are being tested, Scheurman says. They include:
• New sharps container. Scripps Mercy is testing the Kendall Devon Gator Guard container from Kendall in Mansfield, MA.
• Needleless IV tubing. The Clave tubing being tested from B. Braun/McGaw in Bethlehem, PA, is simpler and latex-free, and the syringe fits directly into the port, she says. The hospital also is using, on a trial basis, Walrus’ needle-free, latex-free IV sets and extensions from Arrow in Woburn, MA.
• Retractable butterfly needles. These needles are used in the admitting area, when blood is drawn for phlebotomy. The BD Vacutainer Safety-Lok Blood Collection Set is manufactured by Becton Dickinson & Co. in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
• Safety lock surgical blade system. Scripps Mercy is testing a scalpel handle that has a quick release handle. The BD Bard-Parker SafetyLock Surgical Blade System also is manufactured by Becton Dickinson & Co. "You don’t need a hemostat to remove the blade," Scheurman says.
• Protectiv catheters. These IV catheters use retractable needles, she says."Once inserted, there’s a sheath that goes over them."
In the future, Scripps Mercy will test blunt needles for suturing, retractable syringes for intramuscular injection, and blood collection tube holders for phlebotomies. While all this equipment sounds costly, the news isn’t all bad. Hospitalwide, "the IV tubing will end up being less expensive than the tubing we’re using now," Scheurman says. "And the sharps containers are less expensive and safer."
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