Injuries from vascular access devices: high risk and preventable. Collaborative EPINet Surveillance Group.

Intravenous catheter stylets are the number one cause of needlesticks from blood-filled needles, the type of injury that is most likely to transmit bloodborne pathogens. The Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet, a trademark of the University of Virginia) database provides information on the characteristics of injuries from i.v. catheter stylets and on the effectiveness of safety i.v. catheters designed to prevent injuries. EPINet data show that nurses sustained three fourths of these injuries, and that injury rates declined by 84% after the introduction of a safety i.v. catheter in three study hospitals. In order to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission to healthcare workers, especially nurses, the widespread implementation of i.v. catheters designed to prevent needlesticks should be undertaken as quickly as possible.