Oral Health Program
Needlestick Precautions
You, as a health-care workers should take precautions to prevent injuries
caused by needles and other sharp instruments. You should adhere to the
following precautions during all procedures in which you may handle sharp
instruments, including clean-up and disposal of used needles and other
disposable sharp items:
- A disposable syringe with a disposable needle:
A disposable syringe with a disposable needle is designed for single use
only. The disposable needle should never be separated from its disposable
syringe. Once used, this type of syringe and needle should be disposed of
promptly and properly.
- A nondisposable aspirating syringe with a disposable needle:
One exception to the rule against recapping is aspirating syringes, which
are not fully disposable. You can injure yourself with one of these
syringes if you remove the disposable needle without recapping it. Until
aspirating syringes are fully disposable or some new technology develops,
recap them using a one-handed technique. A one-handed technique is that in
which one hand holds the syringe, and the needle is recapped by
stabilizing the cap with a set of forceps or other appropriate device. A
second method is the "scoop" technique, whereby the cap is laid upon the
instrument tray and the needle is guided and "scooped" into the cap until
the cap can be completely seated.
When giving multiple injections on a patient with a single needle:
Either place the unsheathed needle out of your way in a safe, clean area where it
cannot be contaminated, or use a one-handed recapping technique between
injections.
- A nondisposable syringe with a nondisposable needle:
A nondisposable syringe with a nondisposable needle should NEVER BE
ALLOWED in the dental office.
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
