|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
By Category |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
India On Media |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Others
News |
|
| Device to reduce injection injuries |
| The safety IV Catheter is the latest that technology has to offer against needle stick injuries in India.
|
| INDIA
, 14-May-2007
1:5:42 AM |
| The safety IV Catheter is the latest that technology has to offer against needle stick injuries in India.
These injuries occur when the skin is accidentally punctured by a needle while drawing blood or injecting medicine.
Patients, nurses, doctors and other hospital staff routinely face the risk of needle stick injuries. But even used needles that remain buried in garbage pose a huge danger to workers who dispose them.
The new device now promises to shield patients and healthcare workers from life threatening diseases like HIV.
Dangerous negligence
Each year such untreated injuries are responsible for over 65,000 new Hepatitis B infections, 16,000 new Hepatitis C infections and 1,000 new HIV infections.
While syringes can be destroyed by crushing them immediately after use, many health facilities still don't have needle crushers.
That's where this device can make a difference.
Experts, however, feel that technology alone is not the cure.
Studies show that 65 per cent of injections administered in India are unsafe.
From the five billion injections that are given annually, only 1.5 billion syringes are newly manufactured. The rest are recycled.
One-third of all the injections administered carry a potential risk of transmitting a blood borne virus.
Practice caution
So hospitals must ensure their staff practices caution.
Despite training, many don't wear gloves while attending patients and even when pricked by a used needle do not take proper medications, leaving them vulnerable to a host of diseases.
''Suppose you get a needle stick injury, there are ways to prevent yourself from acquiring the infection.
''That protocol is called post exposure prophylaxis, whereby immediately after injury, you give a combination of anti-retro drugs and monitor the situation,'' said Dr Rewari, RML.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENTS
Free offer!!! Become an administrator for your zip home page, "Post" local news (local to your postcode)& pictures, "Post" advertisement banners from local companies. Make Extra money.
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
