What are the chances of needle-stick injury?

Estimating the likelihood of transmission following a needlestick injury is difficult as there are many factors which contribute to the risk. However, some reports have provided the following needlestick injury statistics:

• In Australia, there are around 18,000 ‘sharps’ incidents reported each year. (1)
• Around 1 needle-stick injury occurs in every 2 days of hospital operation. (2)
• At least 20 pathogens can be transmitted via sharps accidents including HIV and Hepatitis B & C. (3)

The statistics of being infected that pose the greatest concern are (3):

• Hepatitis B – approx. 2 in 5 chance
• Hepatitis C – approx. 1 in 10 chance
• HIV – approx. 1 in 300 chance

A few additional statistics of interest (4):

• The most commonly reported occupational groups are females, nurses, and dental staff.
• Most common situations where needlestick injuries are reported to the service are:
  • Routine patient care and cleaning
  • Invasive procedures such as injections, suturing and venepuncture.
• The HIV and hepatitis status is not known for the vast majority of contact patients. Where known, exposure to hepatitis C is the most frequent disease known.

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References:

(1)    AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database, Separation statistics by principal diagnosis, Australia 2007-08.

(2)    The Medical Journal of Australia, 2002

(3)    Needlestick Injuries, Canada’s National Occupational Health & Safety Resource – www.ccohs.ca

(4)    NSW Needlestick Injury Hotline NSW Health