ISIPS Newsletter October 30, 2009

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Welcome to the ISIPS Newsletter	November 20, 2009

USA News

USA Health News

No sentence reduction for syringe concealer
A man who hid a hypodermic syringe in a Wanganui supermarket and claimed there were another nine or 10 concealed in the store has failed to get a reduction in his 16-month jail sentence.

New laws regarding sharp object disposal
The Siskiyou County Department of General Services would like to remind its residents that disposing of sharps in the trash is now prohibited in California.

Ten Steps to Preventing Infection in Hospitals
The facts are frightening: As many as one in 10 patients hospitalized in the U.S. will come down with an infection—often due to the very care that is supposed to be restoring health.

Wa Municipality records sharp drop in HIV prevalence
The Wa Municipality recorded a drop in HIV prevalence rate from 5.8 per cent to 2.0 per cent, a sentinel survey report from the Ministry of Health...

Global News

'It should never have happened'
Queensland's Chief Health Officer has admitted it took a week for staff at Bundaberg Hospital to realise non-sterilised dental instruments had been used on patients.

Sask. sees HIV infections spike
Saskatchewan has seen a dramatic increase in HIV infections, putting the province far above the national average, health officials say.

South Africa’s Death Rate Doubled in a Decade: Health Minister
In 11 years, from 1997 to 2008, the rate of death has doubled in South Africa,” Aaron Motsoaledi said in Cape Town.

Qld Health accused of Bundaberg backflip
... twice since the initial phone call telling her she was at risk of contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV because of unsterilised instruments.

Woman's painful wait on HIV exposure fears
A WOMAN who may have been inadvertently exposed to HIV or hepatitis at the Bundaberg Hospital dental clinic has described her situation as ''really...

Avian Flu

Researchers discover why avian flu never became a pandemic
Researchers now say the avian flu, or bird flu, is much less likely to cause a pandemic than previously thought. The virus would have to make two mutations...

Visually mapping avian flu may help H1N1
US researchers linked several powerful computer systems to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data on the H5N1 virus, also known as avian flu.

Researchers Create Comprehensive Map of Global Avian Flu Spread
The global visualizations represent the most comprehensive map to date of how avian flu has been transmitted among sites in Asia, Africa, and Europe,...

Communication key to fighting flu
Whereas the avian flu strain wasn't as virulent, Besser said (“You had to get very close to your bird,”), the swine flu, as it was being called,...

Swine Flu

Those Who Have Already Had the Flu May Have Some H1N1 Protection
The H1N1 strain currently circulating is a never-before-seen combination of swine flu viruses, mixed with human and avian flu genetic sequences.

VIEWPOINT: As facts emerge, strategy to fight H1N1 flu changes
When surveillance found the H1N1 virus spread rapidly but was not as severe as the 1918 flu or the “bird flu” assumptions we planned for, we adjusted course...

Swine flu in Ukraine: millions of diseased and hundreds of dead
It is really awful to recognize! We have already passed over the “bird flu”. Now we are suffering of the “swine flu” which is more difficult to cure.

Better not cough: Santas lobby for swine flu shots
Santa wants the swine flu vaccine. Many of the nation's Santas want to be given priority for the vaccine and not just because of those runny-nosed kids.

Cholesterol lowering statins may reduce the severity of Swine Flu
Both seasonal flu and Swine Flu's lethal effect are from inflammation of the lung and the resulting complications." severity of asthma, doctors are not...

Canada Had 37 Swine-Flu Deaths in a Week, Health Officer Says
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer David Butler-Jones said the country's swine-flu death toll rose by 37 in the past week, the deadliest...

5 Palestinians, 2 more Israelis die from swine flu
At least five Palestinians in the West Bank have died from swine flu as the Israeli death toll from the virus hit 49.

Seventh swine flu death while six schools closed in Alexandria
The IDSC release also pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture was still combating the avian flu, which also has a high incidence in Egypt.

5th swine flu death reported in Delaware
Delaware has recorded a fifth death related to the H1N1 virus -- also known as swine flu, state officials announced today. The 60-year-old New Castle County...

Medical News

An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice
A key finding of the second study is that PAP248-286 "shocks" the membrane, inducing a structural change---a kind of dimple that allows HIV to attach to and...

West Nile

Neb. court says ex-worker can sue Union Pacific
Deviney argues Union Pacific is liable for her injuries after she was bitten by mosquitoes in 2003 and contracted West Nile virus.

Mosquito spraying, West Nile dwindle in Central Louisiana
West Nile virus, a major worry in Louisiana just a few years ago, has dwindled to almost nothing. Health officials aren't sure why the virus has nearly...

Mag-Mat™

A re-useable magnetic mat that provides a secure 'hands free' transfer zone for metallic instruments, thus reducing the risk of third party inflicted sharps injuries.

Strong ceramic magnetic surface ensures secure retention of metallic instruments
High quality, reinforced mesh design ensures a highly cost effective, long-lasting device
Autoclavable
Large (40cm x 30cm) surface allows transfer of multiple instruments
Waterproof construction minimises the risk of any pathogen cross infection

For more information in the United States:

AMI

Outside the United States:

Purple Surgical and

Cory Bros.

In This Issue

Notes From the field: Floored on sharps container location
I had just finished teaching an OSHA class and the physician asked if I would check out the sharps container in his office. When I went into his office I looked all over each wall, no sharps container. I thought maybe it was mounted on the wall behind the door. Wrong! It was on the floor, beside the door. Mistake #1.

Evidence of recombination in Hepatitis C Virus populations infecting a ...
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by hereditary bleeding disorders.

Toward explaining why hepatitis B hits men harder than women
Shuhan Sun, Fang Wang and colleagues note that chronic hepatitis B seems to progress and cause liver damage faster in men, with men the main victims of the...

Infection Protection
Are you protecting your health?

STDs on Rise According to CDC
All STDs have been associated with increased HIV transmission, which is of particular concern among men who have...

Police probe of clinic cases in hepatitis outbreak nears end
After 21 months of investigating, detectives next month expect to turn over to prosecutors the criminal case stemming from last year's hepatitis C outbreak,...

OSHA Violations

...recent citations issued

Sunbridge Healthcare Corp

Payette, ID

$5,400

The employer shall ensure that all medical evaluations and procedures including the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including prophylaxis, are provided according to recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service current at the time these evaluations and procedures take place

Hepatitis B vaccination shall be made available after the employee has received the training and within 10 working days of initial assignment to all employees who have occupational exposure unless the employee has previously received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series, antibody testing has revealed that the employee is immune, or the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons.

The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee with occupational exposure including a copy of the employee's hepatitis B vaccination status including the dates of all the hepatitis B vaccinations and any medical records relative to the employee's ability to receive vaccination.

Arizona Arthritis And Rheumatology Associates,P.C

Phoenix, AZ

Failure to have an exposure control plan

Failure to ensure that all employees with occupational exposure participate in a training program which must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours.

ISIPS Corporate Members

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

Amgen

Covidien

B. Braun Medical, Inc.

Needlestick Prevention

SuturTek Incorporated

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

LifeChoice Donor Services

AOHP Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare

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

Luminetx Corporation

Sandel Medical Industries

Infusive Technologies, LLC

Jai Surgicals Ltd.

Onyx Medical

Allen Medical Systems

AngioTech

DC Surgical Solutions

Purple Surgical International, Ltd.

Cory Bros Ltd.

Advanced Medical Innovations

Sharps Compliance, Inc.

Ethicon, Inc.

Advantage Medical Devices

Real Needlestick and
Blood Exposure Stories

I have been in EMS for 12 years and I have been stuck twice.

Years ago when I was working the privates while attending college I got stuck in the butt because I sat on my own needle. I started a line on a code, and couldn't reach the sharps container so I sat it down on the bench seat. I forgot I put it there and slid down to check something and I jab myself. I know stupid, but I have done worse. I got all the testing and came out OK.

The second time I got stuck was while pushing adenosie on a SVT patient. I was backing up a private ambulance. They had the line already started, but their line set only have the "needle" port. I placing the med and the flush in the same line and I wasn't paying attention and I jabbed my thumb with the needle that had the flush. It was sterile and it was only NS, but I still had to document it. But this time no BBP testing.

Featured Safety Product

EZ Huber® Safety Infusion Set

An Easy-to-Use, Power Injectable Venous Access System

Safety, Speed and Comfort

5mL/sec. 300 psi Flow Rate/pressure Rating*
Indicated for contrast-enchanced CT imaging procedures

Small Footprint Enhances site visualization

Low Profile and Padded Base
Designed for patient comfort

Special features that enhance clinical safety:

Visual and audible confirmation of safety activation

Dual-action safety needle designed to shield the tip and shroud the entire needle cannula, reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Click here for more information

The sharps disposal by mail system represents the first complete disposal system pioneered for simplified management of used needles, syringes and other small quantities of medical waste. The sharps disposal by mail system is a government approved system comprised of a specially designed mailable sharps container, a post each prepaid return shipping box, and instructions in both English and Spanish. These systems are available in 1 quart, 1 gallon, 2 gallon, 3 gallon and 18 gallon systems.

For more information click here

SPECIAL BOOKMARKS

CLICK HERE FOR BOOKMARKS ON SHARPS INJURY, AIDS, HIV, HEPATITIS, CONSUMER HEALTH SITES, CONSUMER MEDICAL SITES AND SHARPS SAFETY POSTERS PRODUCED BY ISIPS

View Today's Health News click here!

ISIPS Articles

Managing Infection Control articles written by Ron Stoker

Most Recent Articles on Top

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

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.

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

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 By Ron Stoker
Future Healthcare, Summer 2006 p 121-3

ISIPS Service

Links

Academy for Safety Excellence

Needlestick Prevention Tour

Eureka! Sharps Disposal

Immunization Branch, California Department of Health Services

ANFIM - Association of Needle-free Injection Manufacturers

International Association of EMTs and Paramedics

LifeChoice Donor Services

AOHP - Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare

CINA - Canadian Intravenous Nurses Association

Quality America, Inc.

Center for Phlebotomy Education

Managing Infection Control Magazine

The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals

Academy for Safety Excellence

Terry Jo Gile, MT (ASCP), MA Ed.
The Safety Lady
and
Ronald L. Stoker, MS
Executive Director and Founder - ISIPS
International Sharps Injury Prevention Society

The Academy for Lab Safety Excellence is a program designed by Safety Lady LLC to help you make the transition from bench tech to lab safety officer. You will learn to navigate the world of laboratory safety from the Safety Lady. You will discover the secrets to lab safety excellence that has taken others years to acquire. You will be able to network with colleagues to help you solve your most challenging safety issues.

This Academy is a perfect way to advance your safety knowledge if you:

Are new to lab safety or have limited experience in lab safety issues
Find it frustrating to locate safety information from a variety of sources
Want to expand the impact of your lab safety expertise
Want to increase your effectiveness in educating staff on lab safety issues
Need ready access to colleagues whose expertise in lab safety is well known
Would like to network with your peers on a regular basis for lab safety ideas
Have a limited budget for safety education

You can expect:

A 30 minute personal mentoring phone call to address your specific lab safety challenges
A minimum of eight conference calls over a 12 month period with other members of the Academy to brainstorm safety issues and cover a particular safety topic including:
- Conducting a proper safety audit and why it is important
- Designing and implementing a comprehensive chemical hygiene program
- Protecting employees through the use of ergonomic tools and PPE
- Shipping of infectious and biological substances
  Infection control and prevention
- Bloodborne pathogens and sharps injury prevention
- What's new in waste management
- Training methods that won't put your staff to sleep
- Timely updates via email with lab safety information before it is posted on the website or in the Safety Savvy newsletter
- Special audio conferences with guest experts on a variety of lab safety topics
- Sample safety templates to make documentation easier
- Unlimited emails to the ISIPS Executive Secretary
- Discounts on featured Safety products
- Ten(10) P.A.C.E. contact hours after successfully completing the Academy

An investment of $249 for all sessions
Dates for the Academy:
- October 22, 2009, November 12. 2009, January 14, 2010, February 11, 2010, March 11, 2010, April 15, 2010, May 20, 2010, June 10, 2010

The scheduled start time for all Academy webinars will be

10 am PDT, 11 am MDT, 12 pm CDT, 1 pm PDT, A preview webinar will be held on September 22 at 11 am MDT.

Preview Webinar - Academy of Safety
Tuesday, September 22nd at 11:00am Mountain
Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...
http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=8575968

For more information please contact Terry Jo Gile, the Safety Lady, at info@safetylady.com or call toll free 877-894-7004.
To register for the Academy click here.

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ISIPS
10046 Prestwick Circle

South Jordan, Utah 84095