Article

Percutaneous injuries in doctors in the School of Medicine, University of the Free State: incidence, reporting and adherence to precautionary and management procedures

Published in: South African Family Practice
Volume 51 , issue 2 , 2009 , pages: 128–131

DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2009.10873827

Author(s): M Du Toit Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa , D Claassen Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa , A Le Roux Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa , E Nel Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa , W Van Biljon Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa , G Joubert Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa , VJ Louw Division Clinical Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa

Keywords: percutaneous injuries , needle prick injuries , doctors , incidence , reporting

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Abstract

Background: Despite the official precautionary measures against percutaneous injuries, incidents still occur. Consequently, it is possible that healthcare workers could contract infections like HBV, HCV, HGV (hepatitis B, C and G viruses) and HIV (human immune deficiency virus). The most serious problem lies in the fact that percutaneous injuries are often underestimated, resulting in non-reporting of the incident. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of percutaneous injuries in doctors in the School of Medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS), whether the incidents were reported, and the reasons for non-reporting. The use of gloves during procedures was also evaluated.

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