Abstract
Exposure to pathogenic agents is a major occupational risk factor in healthcare facilities. The most common pathogenic agents are human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Italy, about 70-80% of all cases of exposure to biological agents result from injuries caused by needles or other sharp instruments used during healthcare procedures. These accidents place a high economic burden on healthcare facilities. Indeed, each event is estimated to cost around € 375. Various studies have shown that the adoption of needlestick-prevention devices reduces occupational exposure to biological risk. At regulatory level, Italian Legislative Decrees 81/08 and 19/14 provide for measures to protect healthcare professionals from biological exposure to pathogenic agents.
Keywords:
Accidental wounds; HAIs; Healthcare-associated infections; Needlestick-Prevention Devices.
MeSH terms
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Accidents, Occupational / economics
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Accidents, Occupational / legislation & jurisprudence
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Accidents, Occupational / prevention & control*
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Cross Infection / economics
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Cross Infection / prevention & control*
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Cross Infection / transmission
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HIV Infections / prevention & control
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HIV Infections / transmission
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Health Personnel*
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Hepatitis B / prevention & control
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Hepatitis B / transmission
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Hepatitis C / prevention & control
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Hepatitis C / transmission
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Humans
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Italy
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Needlestick Injuries / complications
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Needlestick Injuries / economics
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Needlestick Injuries / prevention & control*
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Occupational Diseases / economics
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Occupational Diseases / etiology
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Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
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Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
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Occupational Exposure / economics
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Occupational Exposure / legislation & jurisprudence
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Occupational Exposure / prevention & control*
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Protective Devices
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Risk Factors
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Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / prevention & control
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Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / transmission