A comprehensive approach to percutaneous injury prevention during phlebotomy: Results of a multicenter study, 1993-1995

Francisco Alvarado-Ramy, Elise M. Beltrami, Louise J. Short, Pamela U. Srivastava, Keith Henry, Meryl Mendelson, Julie L. Gerberding, George L. Delclos, Scott Campbell, Robin Solomon, Rita Fahrner, David H. Culver, David Bell, Denise M. Cardo, Mary E. Chamberland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine a comprehensive approach for preventing percutaneous injuries associated with phlebotomy procedures. DESIGN AND SETTING: From 1993 through 1995, personnel at 10 university-affiliated hospitals enhanced surveillance and assessed underreporting of percutaneous injuries; selected, implemented, and evaluated the efficacy of phlebotomy devices with safety features (ie, engineered sharps injury prevention devices [ESIPDs]); and assessed healthcare worker satisfaction with ESIPDs. Investigators also evaluated the preventability of a subset of percutaneous injuries and conducted an audit of sharps disposal containers to quantify activation rates for devices with safety features. RESULTS: The three selected phlebotomy devices with safety features reduced percutaneous injury rates compared with conventional devices. Activation rates varied according to ease of use, healthcare worker preference for ESIPDs, perceived "patient adverse events," and device-specific training. CONCLUSIONS: Device-specific features and healthcare worker training and involvement in the selection of ESIPDs affect the activation rates for ESIPDs and therefore their efficacy. The implementation of ESIPDs is a useful measure in a comprehensive program to reduce percutaneous injuries associated with phlebotomy procedures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)97-104
Number of pages8
JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A comprehensive approach to percutaneous injury prevention during phlebotomy: Results of a multicenter study, 1993-1995'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this