Sharps injuries are wounds caused by sharp instruments accidentally puncturing the skin.
Currently, more than 54 cases of occupationally acquired HIV have been documented. Hepatitis C may lead to liver cancer, liver transplantation, and liver failure. 4 Injuries caused by sharps can result in the transmission of many other diseases, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms as well. The consequences of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens include not only infections, but also psychological trauma, postponement of childbearing, altering of sexual practices, side effects from prophylactic medications, infection, chronic disabilities, loss of employment, denial of worker compensation claims, liver transplantation, and premature death. Although guidelines for the recapping of needles and sharps disposal were in place, increased awareness and the potential for downstream injuries to patients and housekeeping workers precipitated OSHA to issue its bloodborne pathogen standard in 1991.