Needle stick injury in pediatric hospitals.

PURPOSE

To describe the type and source of employee needle stick injuries.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective survey of documents related to 42 needle stick injuries over a 6-month period.

RESULTS

Nurses experienced the greatest number of sticks. The injuries occurred most frequently at the bedside and were most often associated with IV/parenteral therapy.

CONCLUSION

Needle sticks were peripheral to the problem of product design.