Universal Precautions: Still Missing the Point on Needlesticks

Abstract

Pressure to solve the longstanding problem of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers has been apparent since the first occupational seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was reported in 1984. This pressure has steadily increased as subsequent reports confirmed that the once hypothetical route of HIV transmission was a well-established reality, carrying a seroconversion risk of 1 in 250 for those injured by HIV-contaminated needles. The accululated data further revealed that needlestick and sharp object exposures to HIV presented a higher risk of transmission than any other route of occupational exposure.