Selecting, Evaluating, and Using Sharps Disposal Containers

摘要

Occupational transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis Bvirus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been well documented. The risk of infection with HIV following one needlestick exposure is approximately 0.3% and ranges from 6% of 30% for HBV and from 5% to 10% for HCV. The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) bloodborne pathogens standards (29 CFR 1910.1030) has increased compliance and awareness of prevention strategies. No single sharps disposal container design meets all the disposal containment needs for all health care settings or for an entire hospital. Container selection should be based on a comprehensive site-specific hazard analysis.