A retractable syringe needle, just like the name suggests, is a needle that automatically draws back into the syringe barrel when the handle of the plunger is fully depressed. This technology was created to prevent exposure of the used, contaminated needle, reducing potential injuries and accidents from the needle stick. Read on to find the benefits of retractable needles and how to give safety injections.

Benefits of Retractable Needles

Cases of blood-borne infections from contaminated needles are not new stories. When a traditional needle is left exposed, the risk of it sticking to another person is high. Not just for patients but especially for healthcare workers as well. An accident like this may be a leading cause of serious health problems such as HIV and Hepatitis.

It may also lead to other errors such as improper medical waste disposal and collection, needle reuse, and other unsafe needle injections. And the consequences of these injections, more often than not, are severe. Here are some benefits of using retractable needles to prevent such accidents and health crisis;

• The first benefit is that it reduces needle exposure and increases user control and safety for both patients and other workers in the medical setting.
• Prevents contamination
• Avoids latex sensitivities (they are latex-free)
• The sharp needle reduces pain for patients
• Reduces viral survival
• Reduces syringe disassembling
• Increases the users’ confidence and control, as they immediately know when the injection is successfully delivered
• Prevention of needle reuse

Seven safety steps for a safe injection

Clinics and medical settings are presumed to already be clean and safe for all medical practices. Adhering to safety practices is key to preventing infections during health care treatments. This includes unnecessary injections, risking injuries, incorrect disposal of medical tools, and more.

To prevent this from happening, here are seven steps to giving a safe injection;

A Clean Workspace

The very first and core steps are ensuring that your work environment is as clean as possible and that it is not contaminated. This includes the physical space, removing any clutter from the working tables, beds, and chairs, disinfecting surfaces, the medical tools and equipment being used must also be clean, and more.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is another step you cannot afford to ignore. Practicing hand hygiene before you even start to prepare the injection is important. Remember to also properly clean your hands right after the injection. Hand hygiene ensures safety for the patient and other health care workers.

Sterile Syringe

There are many benefits of making sure to use sterile and safety-engineered syringes. You get to avoid the risk of contamination and disease transmission. Make sure you always use needles with injury protection and safety features. Retractable needle syringes are highly recommended.

Disinfect Skin

This is an important step before you give an injection. Make sure you prepare the skin before the injection. Different types of skin and injection procedures require different kinds of preparations. Make sure to take a look at the patients’ files first to see if there are any special treatments and if their skin is compromised in any way.

Appropriate Disposal

How you dispose of the tools and needles is as important as every other step. There have been cases of injuries and infections caused by improper disposal and reuse of needles. Here are some steps to help you properly dispose of what needs to be disposed of;

• Immediately after use, make sure to place syringes and needles into the sharps container.
• Do not recap a needle
• Never manipulate or manually break, bend, or remove a needle or syringe
• Always make sure that there is a sharp container within reach while working
• Make sure the syringes and needles are well labelled and stored according to manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations.
• Never use a needle or syringe that has come in contact with a non-sterile surface