Authors

  1. Ernst, Dennis J. MT(ASCP)

Abstract

Have you ever drawn blood without gloves?

 

Recapped a used needle with both hands?

 

Held specimen tubes with one hand while puncturing their stopper with a needle held in the other?

 

If so, sooner or later, you are going to stick yourself, and it will probably be sooner. Safer blood collection equipment can protect you from sustaining an accidental needlestick, but no product will protect you from yourself. Then determine the extent to which your practices are placing you at risk.

 

Rate yourself on these 13 behaviors that can make you a candidate for an accidental needlestick.