Hollow-bore needles were found to be involved in the highest number of injuries. Activities that involve manipulating the needles after use and those that involve inserting or removing the needle into flexible tubing are at the highest risk. There is no cure or effective treatment for many of the diseases that health care workers risk. Even when no infection is transmitted, the emotional impact of having been stuck with a potentially contaminated needle or other sharp can be daunting. The uncertainty and related stress can lead to long-term anxiety or other problems that require further counseling.
Workers face up to six months of anguish and anxiety until they know their sero-conversion status.
Several states have recognized the need for better protection for health care workers. California was the first to pass legislation on needlestick protection. Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas have also passed needlestick protection legislation. Other states and the District of Columbia have initiated legislation to improve their bloodborne pathogen standards and requirements for needlestick protection. Unfortunately, the protections afforded by these state statutes do not cover health care workers who work at DVA medical facilities in these states.