Cannulation safety

Following a needlestick or other percutaneous injury from a sharp object, the risk of developing an infection will depend on:

1. the infectious status of the patient, 
2. the immune status of the worker, 
3. the severity of the needlestick injury, especially when dealing with hollow needles 

(Attribution: Zephyris at en.wikipedia)

      4. the availability and use of appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis. 

Devices with safety features have been shown in many studies to reduce the frequency of needlestick injuries, but they may not completely eliminate it.

In some cases, the safety feature cannot be activated until the needle is removed from the patient (User-activated). The drawback of such system are:

1. healthcare providers may forget to activate the safety feature; 
2. users can bypass the safety feature; 
3. the safety feature may fail. 

It is important to understand the factors that influence the safety of a device in order to plan effective needlestick prevention programs. Devices with safety features can reduce needlestick injuries when used with a comprehensive prevention program. 

Passive safety design 

"Passive" IV device activates needle shield as removed, simulates traditional techniques.

Passive safety-engineered devices (SEDs) that automatically or semi-automatically activate the safety feature were found to be several times more effective in preventing needlestick injuries (NSI) 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

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User-activated design

IV needle instantly retracts to safety position with the push of a thumb.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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