Safe needles

Article Abstract:

Nurses, physicians, and other medical personnel are at risk for needlestick injuries when they use standard needles. Concern about needlestick injuries has increased because of the AIDS epidemic; other diseases that can be transmitted by used needles are hepatitis and blood-borne bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Needlestick injuries most often occur when the health professional attempts to re-cap the needle after it is used. Manufacturers of needles have developed several new designs that are meant to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. There are two basic designs for these new 'safe needles': external sheaths and internal blunting mechanisms. The external sheathing mechanism is a plastic cover that is pushed from the needle hub or vacuum-tube holder forward over the needle to act as a needle cap. A variation on this design is the 'disappearing needle', which retracts into the tube holder. While the professional must manipulate the device in order to cover the needle, his hands remain behind the needle tip at all times. The internal blunting mechanism involves a hollow stainless steel cannula that advances past the needle tip in the patient's vein while blood is being drawn; thus, the tip of the needle is already sheathed when it is removed from the vein. The blunted needle is then removed from the holder and discarded. There are no data available to demonstrate that these new designs are safer than the traditional needles or that they are easy to use. Nine safe-needle devices are listed by brand name with the manufacturer's name, location, and phone number. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Design and construction, Medical equipment and supplies industry, Medical equipment industry, Hypodermic needles, Syringes

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Sunscreens: are they safe and effective?

Article Abstract:

Sunscreens appear to be effective in preventing many types of skin cancer. Most sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. However, it is important to buy a sunscreen that blocks ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation as well. Although UVB causes more skin damage than UVA, more UVA reaches the earth's surface. As of 1999, the drug avobenzone is the only one that blocks UVA radiation. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to reach effective sun protection factor (SPF) levels. There is no evidence that the use of sunscreens blocks the formation of vitamin D in skin exposed to sunlight.

Evaluation, Sunscreening agents, Skin cancer, Sunscreens (Cosmetics)

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Preventing worker injuries

Article Abstract:

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in Santa Clara, CA, found that its staff suffered a significant number of injuries from assaultive patients. The hospital developed a state-mandated security plan and a protocol for treating assaultive patients that addressed the problem. The plan proposed increasing security measures, such as identifying known assaultive patients and installing closed-circuit television. Staff education programs in managing assaultive patients were developed. Protocols for assaultive patient care were written to direct staff actions in a variety of circumstances.

Hospitals, Work-related injuries, Work related injuries, Violence in hospitals, Hospital violence

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