Analysis of injuries caused by sharp objects in the staff of the Segurilab health center and control proposal

Abstract

Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of accidents with sharp objects in the phlebotomy staff of the Segurilab Health Center, and to propose control measures based on the results obtained. Methods: a retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the Segurilab Health Center, analyzing the statistics of the institutional database. The study period covered from March 2023 to March 2024. The incidence of accidents with sharp objects in phlebotomy personnel, responsible for the extraction and handling of biological samples (blood and derivatives), the administration of intravenous medications and intramuscular, and the collection of used material, both at home and institutional level. Results: two incidents were recorded in the month of September 2023, which occurred in phlebotomists who carried out work at home, specifically in obtaining biological samples from school-age children. It should be noted that phlebotomy staff performing their duties within the institution did not report any related accidents during the study period. Conclusion: the lack of an adequate area with control protocols for the use of sharp objects, combined with the attention of an age group that is difficult to manage when taking samples, such as school-age patients, increases the risk of accidents. Importantly, the group that followed recommended biosafety guidelines, such as those issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), did not report any cases, which is in line with guidelines to prevent adverse events