Most known cases of H.I.V. or hepatitis are reported, but other possible infections often are not.Martin Makary was the lead author of the study. Doctor Makary says medical students who are stuck put themselves and others in danger from infectious diseases.
MARTIN MAKARY: "A needle that goes through the skin needs to be as sharp as possible because that's going to be associated with the easiest access, the more slick closure, and the less pain when somebody has, say their blood drawn or their skin closed."
Doctors in training may have to do hundreds of stitches in some cases to close the skin after an operation.
Doctor Makary told VOA's Melinda Smith that he supports using blunt tip needles which are considered safer.
MARTIN MAKARY: "This needle is still sharp enough to penetrate through body tissue. But it does have a blunt tip, so that if it accidentally goes into my finger, it's much less likely to perforate."
How common are needle sticks among health care workers? An estimated six hundred to eight hundred thousand of these and similar injuries are reported each year in the United States. But Doctor Makary says the real number may be much higher.
The study advises doctors to protect their hands by wearing two sets of gloves. It also urges hospitals to establish a special telephone number for medical workers and students to call if they are injured. The idea is for hospitals to send a clear message that there is no reason not to report this kind of accident.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25