Per the CDC, a sharps injury is a penetrating stab wound from a needle, scalpel, or another sharp object that may result in exposure to blood or other body fluids. This can include scalpels, razors, needles, lancets, blades, broken glass or any other sharp implement.
The CDC knows there are many needle sticks and sharps injuries that occur during a year in hospitals and healthcare facilities, with over half of them unreported. Most happen innocently, like when nurses are caring for patients, or when a needle is being recapped with two hands. What risks do these injuries pose, and what’s the best way to treat and avoid them?
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