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 Welcome to the ISIPS Newsletter
August 27, 2010 
USA News

USA Health News

Woman charged with trying to spread hepatitis
She became combative at the police station and intentionally spat in an officer's face while claiming she has hepatitis C, Cooper said.

Global News

New research brings hope to millions of HIV-infected South Africans
New finding by Israeli researchers has offered hope for millions of South Africans living with and dying from HIV and AIDS.

Avian Flu

Avian flu virus protein turns off cell defense
This collection of molecules known as the PDZ binding-motif help make the avian virus – known to experts at H5N1 – particularly virulent and a threat to...

Health Ministry announces Egypt's 122nd case of bird flu
That case brought the total number of bird flu fatalities in Egypt to 34. According to the World Health Organization, Egypt has reported the third largest...

Vietnam - Bird flu back with a vengence
The authorities sent an Immediate Notification dated 17 August to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The report describes six outbreaks (at two...

Avian flu virus protein turns off cell defense
As the avian influenza A virus seeks to infect its bird hosts, it brings a special weapon to the fray – four tiny amino...

Most dangerous virus
The Avian flu virus or H5N1flu virus is still lying in wait. Commonly known as the bird flu virus, this Influenza strain was able to bypass pigs,...

Swine Flu

Swine flu cases rising in Australia
It has arrived much later this winter, but experts say the swine flu is now on Australia's doorstep. Transmission of the a(H1N1) virus has been elevated in...

One dies of swine flu in Delhi
One person died of swine flu in the national capital, taking the toll due to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus to 24 in the city, an official said Wednesday.

One swine flu death, 40 new cases in Delhi
One person died of swine flu Sunday night while 40 new cases were reported in Delhi, a health official said Monday. 'One person died at Lok Narayan Jai...

Girl died after three hospital visits
THE family of a young girl who died in a remote indigenous community during a swine flu epidemic hopes an inquest will provide "peace and comfort".

Medical News

New UNC Study Reveals New HIV Cause Details
In the study, blood and...samples were collected from 16 men with chronic HIV-1 infection. The samples were then analyzed using a technique called...

Cancer drugs might help fight HIV infections
Drugs used to treat cancer may actually help to fight off HIV infections. Researchers at the University of minnesota Have found a...

Scientists Discover Parts of Protein That Stops HIV in Monkeys
It's been more than 25 years since scientists discovered HIV, the retrovirus responsible for causing AIDS. Since then, there have been advances in...

West Nile

West Nile VIrus in Los Angeles
The West Nile Virus has officially made its appearance in Los Angeles county for the 2010 year. Two dead birds have tested positive for the disease,...

Phila. man has Pa.'s first West Nile case of year
State health officials say Pennsylvania has recorded its first human case of West Nile virus for the year. The Department of Health on...

Researchers discover how west nile virus survives in mosquitoes
West Nile virus tricks mosquitoes into producing a particular protein complex that allows it to survive and be transmitted,...

Number of mosquitoes surge above 'annoyance levels'
For the most part, the mosquitoes that have been hatching in recent weeks are floodwater or nuisance mosquitoes and are not carriers of the West Nile virus,...

West Nile infected mosquitoes found in NH city
Public health officials in New Hampshire say mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been found in Manchester.

West Nile Virus detected in 4 Utah counties
One mosquito “pool” — a test tube of trapped mosquitoes known to transmit the virus — has tested positive from Magna.

West Nile virus found in Brentwood and Oakley
Two dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Brentwood and Oakley, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District...

3rd Michigander has mosquito-borne disease
EEE is a mosquito-borne disease spread much like the West Nile virus. A 52-year-old Barry County woman, who first became ill last month and was hospitalized...


The Safety Compliance kit is designed to provide you with the tools to work safer and to help you meet AORN and AST standards.

The kit includes a puncture-resistant  container with a lid. During the case the lid of the container can be used as a hands-free transfer method as sharps are passed between surgeon and staff. 

For cases where your work area is tilted such as back surgeries and cases that position the patient in leg fins such as GYN laparoscopic cases and lower anterior bowel resections, the base of the container provides you with a neutral zone that can be placed at a slight slant. The sides of the tray contain and restrict movement of your surgery tools.

On your back table the container can be used as a safe zone for your longer sharps, such as spinal needles, trocars and Ortho pins.  Having sharps contained in a container that can be used for transport of sharps after the case means one less time sharps have to be picked up and moved by hand this means one less chance for needle sticks.

At the end of the case the container along with the lid provides a safe method for transporting your needle counter and unused suture, along with other sharps from your field to the secondary container. Unlike the commonly used boxed style needle counters, the DC Surgical Solutions Sharps Compliance Kit has no seam on the side. Because of this it meets OSHA standards for transporting sharps, which states puncture-resistant containers should be leak-proof and seamless on the bottom and sides of the container.

The Suture organizer provides you with a method to divide your suture packets, speeding up reaction time and counts.

The needle counter/ scalpel holder meets all AORN and AST standards while talking up less space on the mayo stand and back table.  The needle counter was designed with no lid.  This takes away the dangerous practice of taking lids off for use during the case and then attempting to replace the lid after it is full of used sutures and blades. It also encourages surgical personal to keep their eyes on the needle counter as they are handling it.

For more information click here.

In This Issue

Mobile Phone is a Hygiene Risk, Study Says
Technology, from smart and mobile phones to laptops, could be spreading illnesses and potentially killer diseases because of poor hand hygiene, according to research released by the Co-operative Pharmacy, a pharmacy retail chain in the United Kingdom.

Seeing is achieving with hand sanitizers
Out of sight means of mind when it comes to locating hand sanitizers. That’s the simple conclusion of a study appearing in the June 27 issue of Quality and Safety in Health Care.

Ask the expert: Why the mulligan for the hepatitis B vaccination?
What is the reason for having to re-administer the hepatitis B vaccination when a worker fails to respond to the first three-shot series?

Workers Risking Injury by Not Wearing PPE
Nearly all of the safety professionals in a recent survey said that workers in their organizations had at some point failed to wear the necessary safety equipment while on the job.

Glove Use Should be Emphasized as Key Part of Sharps Injury Prevention
...sought to evaluate factors associated with gloving practices and identified associations between gloving practices and sharps ‐ injury risk.

Breakthrough in AIDS treatment- two drugs identified to treat the condition
Two new drugs have been identified by the researchers to provide effective treatment for HIV, says a report published...

Mayo Clinic worker used patients' syringes, may have spread Hepatitis C
A radiology technologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. likely transmitted Hepatitis C to at least three transplant patients--one of whom who died...

Molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw ...
Six major Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and hundreds of subtypes have been identified globally. All these genotypes are generally studied for...

OSHA Violations
...citations issued
Middle Tennessee Medical Center Inc

Murfreesboro, TN

$5600

Exposure Control Plan not updated at least annually and to document new tasks, procedures

Exposure Control Plan does not document annually consideration and implementation of safety products

Failure to use engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Failure to use personal protective equipment

Failure to prevent bending, recapping, or removal of contaminated needles and sharps

Failure to provide mechanical device or teaching of one-handed recapping technique

Golden Gate National Senior Care Harrison Ii Llc

Harrison, AR

$5200

Failure to use engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Failure to use personal protective equipment.
ISIPS Corporate Members

Please click on any ISIPS member below to view their sharps safety products!

Amgen

Covidien

B. Braun Medical, Inc.

Becton Dickinson

Inviro Medical Devices, Inc.

Greiner Bio-One GmbH

Immunization Branch-California Dept. of Health Services

Smiths Medical

Retractable Technologies Inc.

Terumo Medical Corporation

ANFIM - Association of Needle-free Injection Mfrs

Angiodynamics

Medi-Dose, Inc. - EPS, Inc.

International Association of EMTs and Paramedics

ITL Corporation

Bemis Manufacturing Company

Maximus Medical

Qlicksmart Pty Ltd

Milestone Scientific

Baxa Corporation

LifeChoice Donor Services

3M

Canadian Intravenous Nurses Association (CINA)

Sarstedt

Myco Medical

Health Care Logistics, Inc.

Center for Phlebotomy Education, Inc.

Managing Infection Control Magazine

The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals

Kawasumi Laboratories America

Starr Systems, LLC

Owen Mumford

West Pharmaceutical Services

Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Sandel Medical Industries

Infusive Technologies, LLC

Jai Surgicals Ltd.

Onyx Medical

Allen Medical Systems

AngioTech

DC Surgical Solutions

Bard Access Systems

Access Scientific

Sanofi-AVentis

Navilyst

Purple Surgical International, Ltd.

Cory Bros Ltd.

Advanced Medical Innovations

Kinamed

Unilife

Sharpsfree

Peak Surgical

ICU Medical

Safety Lady LLC

Sharps Compliance, Inc.

Ethicon, Inc.

Advantage Medical Devices

tip-top

Global Medi Products

MediPurpose

Real Needlestick and
Blood Exposure Stories

According to papers filed with the motion, Carol Collette, a per diem nurse at Waterford, was on duty the evening of April 4, 1995, when a patient died from AIDS and an intravenous cassette used to deliver morphine to the patient was placed in a medication cart. When Susan Milam, also a nurse, reported for duty on the morning shift, she was stuck by the needle attached to the morphine cassette while it was being removed from the medication cart. Milam could not sue her employer for any resulting injury due to the workers compensation act, under which her sole remedy for injury due to negligence by the employer or a fellow employee was
a prescribed claim for benefits. However, Milam claimed that the needle was negligently left in the cart by Collette, and asserted that Collette was an independent contractor and thus amenable to personal tort liability to Milam for the resulting injury. 


Featured Safety Product


All SharpGuard guarded knives are designed to meet "safer medical device" standards required by OSHA to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.  Identification, evaluation and selection of safer medical devices are key components of a facility "Exposure Control Plan" (ECP), requiring annual reviews and updates. 

SharpGuard guarded knives are packaged in sterile blister trays in a closed, safe position, five units per box.

Directions for Use:

1. To Open:

With textured grip pointing away from body, slide grip back until it clicks to expose blade.

2. To Close:

With the blade pointing away from body, slide textured grip toward blade until it clicks into guarded position.

3. Disposal:

Close the knife into the guarded position.  Place knife in an approved sharps container. 

For more information click here.


The Right Step for You and Your Patient

Simple to use

Robust safety mechanism

Easy visibility of access site

Small footprint

Non-absorbent patient comfort pad

Non-coring needle

Latex free

Best overall value

SafeStep® Huber Needle Set combines excellent safety Huber needle technologan affordable, simple to use product. SafeStep features ay in  robust safety mechanism with a clear base for easy site visibility. It boasts a small footprint, one of the smallest available today! Its patient comfort pad is soft and supple for patient comfort during infusion. SafeStep is the best overall value for you, your nurses, and your patients!

For more information regarding SafeStep Huber Needle Set, visit us online at www.safe-step.biz or call us at 800-306-3360.

For more information click here.

 

 

ISIPS Articles

Managing Infection Control articles written by Ron Stoker

2009

December 2009- Advances in Insulin Syringes  - New Passive Insulin Syringe protects from Needlestick Injury

December 2009- Making a Difference in Sharps Safety - 2009 International Sharps Injury Prevention Awards

November 2009- Facing the Challenges of  CR-BSI's - Evaluate, Plan  an Implement Decisions to reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

October 2009- Preventing Injuries from Glass Ampoule Shards-Advances in glass ampoule breakers

August 2009-What's New in Clinical Safety Education-New computer-based training can energize and captivate your staff

August 2009- Advances in Electrosurgery-Safety and economic benefits for patients, surgeons and hospitals

May 2009 - Advances in Needleless Connectors-Technologies assist in Prevention of Bloodstream Infections

April 2009 - Safety Enhancements for Blood Culture Processing-Protecting Staff From Harm

April 2009 - Neuropathy Testing - One of the Challenges of Diabetes

April 2009 - Where to Find Safety Products - Part Four

March 2009 - Accelerated Seldinger Technique - A faster, safer method for diagnostic and interventional procedures

March 2009 - Sharps Safety Matters - Where to find Safety Products - Part Three

February 2009 - Advances in Internal Bone Fixation - Sharps Safety for Orthopedic Surgeons

February 2009 - Sharps Safety Matters! - Where to find Safety Products Part 2

January 2009-  Advances in Blood Drawing Using Evacuated Tubes - Improving Patient and Clinician Safety

January 2009 - Sharps Safety Matters! - Where to find Safety Products Part I

2008

December 2008 - 2008 International Sharps Injury Prevention Awards

December 2008 - Zero Sharps Injuries - A Goal we can live with! Reducing Exposures in the Operating Room

November 2008 - Sharps Injuries - just part of the job, right?

October 2008 - Turning Point - New Safety Scalpel Handle System provides safety features and familiar feel

October 2008 - Eye Can See Clearly Now - the Positive use of face shields as PPE

September 2008 - Safety Scalpels - State of the Market Report

August 2008 Revolutionary Designs - New passive, self-sheathing safety syringe

August, 2008 - New Technology Replaces Multiple Syringes-Prevent contamination of IV lines and associated infections.

June 2008 - One Less Problem - Safe Practices When Administering IV Therapy

May 2008 - Scalpel Safety - Protecting patients and clinicians

May 2008 - Innovation in Vascular Access - Accidental needlestick injuries decreased via the utilization of the VeinViewer

April 2008 - Working in Harms Way - Understanding Sharps Safety Compliance

April 2008 - PPE Practices - Use of Personal Protective Equipment in Satellite Locations

March 2008  - Sharps Safety Matters - Where to find safety products? Part 2 of our annual sharps safety product review.

March 2008 - Simply Safe- Providing safety for the needle that saves lives

February 2008 - Sharps Safety Matters - Where to find safety products? Part 1 of our annual sharps safety product review.

2007

December 2007 - Spreading the Word for Safer Sharps- 2007 International Sharps Injury Prevention Awards

November 2007 GET THE POINT? Laparoscopic surgery-protecting healthcare workers from sharps injuries due to trocars

November 2007 - A Fortune to Share -Changing attitudes toward sharps safety.

October 2007-New sheriff in town-common and costly doctors' office blood-borne pathogen standard violations.

September 2007 Advances in Safety in Cardiology
Reducing the potential of bloodborne pathogen exposure for healthcare workers.

September 2007 Safety Doesn’t Just Happen
Staff safety—is there a culture of safety at your facility?

August 2007 - Innovative Syringe Management System -For home users—and some healthcare workers— there’s an exciting development in sharps safety

June 2007 - OSHA’s Most Cited Hospital Violations - Strategies for Creating a Safe Workplace

June 2007 - Safety in the Hospital Pharmacy-Prevent Staff Injury and Exposure to Toxic Materials with Safety Devices

May 2007 - OR Safety - Improvements in Sharps Safety in the Operating Room

May 2007- Safety Product Review - Use Safety Products to Improve Staff and Patient Safety.

April 2007- Needlestick Safety-Not just a U.S. problem.

Feb 2007 A Change Of Heart - Set Goals To Improve Your Teams Safety

Jan 2007 Stuck at Work - Use Safety Blood Draw Products To Avoid Needlestick Injuries

2006

December 2006 - Cutting the Cord  -  cutting, clamping, and obtaining blood samples from the umbilical cord

November 2006  - Don’t You Have Enough to Worry About Already? Single-Use vs. Reusable Sharps Disposal Containers

September 2006 -Evaluating Safety Products - Decision Making in the Selection of Safety Products

August 2006 -Safety Peripheral IV Catheters - State of the market report

June 2006 BESIDE THE POINT: Safety Huber Needles 2006 - State of the Market Report

May 2006 - Zero Needlesticks— A Goal We Can Live With! Current OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Citations

April 2006 - A Change of Heart - Set Goals to Change Your Team's Sharps Safety

February 2006 - How Can You Tell If Your OSHA inspection is going poorly?  Part II

January 2006 - How You Can Tell If Your OSHA Inspection Is Going Poorly? Preparing for an OSHA Inspection - Part I

January 2006 Sharps Injury Prevention Resource Guide 

Additional Articles

Anatomy of Needlestick Injury; Ron Stoker, Business Briefing: Global Healthcare- Advanced Medical Technologies 2004- Infection Control and Epidemiology

Needlestick Injury Prevention, Ron Stoker, Business Briefing: Global Healthcare 2003

Specially designed syringes maximize flue vaccine supply - Syringes reduce costs and and increase healthcare worker safety and patient comfort

Evaluation of The BD IntegraTM 3ml Syringe with Retracting BD PrecisionGlide™ Needle at Texas Children’s Hospital and Test-Med

Safety Wound Closure Presentation
Sharps Safety - Gaps and successes of safety device market conversion  By Amber Hogan
Technology and the engineering of safety devices has increased since the promulgation of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS) (29 CFR 1910.1030) in 1991. As a result, OSHA revised its enforcement procedures in 1999 (CPL 02-02-069) to include guidance for its compliance safety and health officers to begin citing health care employers for failure to use safety devices where their use is feasible and effective.

Not Just painful, Deadly! Patients aren't the only ones scared of Needles  
Future Healthcare, Summer 2006 p 121-3

Links
Compendium of Infection Control Technologies

Digital Edition

The Compendium of Infection Control Technologies - Digital Edition is now available.
The digital edition comes on a CD that is readable from any computer and contains a PDF version of the Compendium with over 200 devices highlighted with a Device Evaluation Form designed for each.

 It also includes:

  • Over 50 articles written on sharps safety products that have been published in Managing Infection Control magazine.

  • All significant OSHA Interpretation Letters since the passage of the revised OSHA

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.

  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

  • Enforcement Procedures for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

  • Most frequently asked questions about the Standard

  • NIOSH Needlestick Alert

  • CDC Workbook on Designing a Sharps Injury Prevention Program

  • Model Exposure Control Plan

  • Hepatitis Vaccination Declination Form

  • Most Comprehensive List of Safety Products

  • And More...

The Compendium of Infection Control Technologies is only $89.95.  It will save you literally hundreds of hours in searching for safety products.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE COMPENDIUM!
 


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