There are between 600,000 and 800,000 Needle Stick Injury cases in the health care setting each year. The injuries are caused by needles such as hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous (IV) stylets, and needles used to connect parts of IV delivery systems. These injuries may cause a number of serious and potentially fatal infections with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

More than 8 million health care workers in the United States work in hospitals and other health care settings. According to Centers for Disease Control data the number of needle stick and other percutaneous injuries among health care workers is growing every year. About half of these injuries are unreported. At an average hospital, workers incur approximately 30 needle stick injuries per 100 beds per year.

Most reported needle stick injuries involve nursing staff; however laboratory staff, physicians, housekeepers, and other health care workers are also at risk. These injuries expose workers to blood borne pathogens such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.

Infections with each of these pathogens are potentially life threatening-and preventable.This impact is particularly severe when the injury involves exposure to HIV. In one study of 20 health care workers with an HIV exposure, 11 reported acute severe distress, 7 had persistent moderate distress, and 6 quit their jobs as a result of the exposure.

HIV

Between 1985 and June 1999, cumulative totals of 55 "documented" cases and 136 "possible" cases of occupational HIV transmission to U.S. health care workers were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most involved nurses and laboratory technicians.

Percutaneous injury (e.g., needle stick) was associated with 49 (89%) of the documented transmissions. Of these, 44 involved hollow-bore needles, most of which were used for blood collection or insertion of an IV catheter.

HIV infection is a complex disease that can be associated with many symptoms. The virus attacks part of the bodies immune system, eventually leading to severe infections and other complications- AIDS. Despite current therapies that delay the progression of HIV disease, most health care workers who become infected with HIV are likely to eventually develop AIDS and die.

HBV

Information from national hepatitis surveillance is used to estimate the number of HBV infections in health care workers. In 1999, about 800 health care workers became infected with HBV.

HCV

Hepatitis C virus infection is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the United States, affecting nearly 4 million people.

Health care workers have an increased occupational risk for HCV infection. Unintentional needle stick injury is associated with increased HCV infection. The number of health care workers who have acquired HCV occupationally is not known. However, of the total acute HCV infections that have occurred annually (ranging from 100,000 in 1991 to 36,000 in 1996), 2% to 4% have been in health care workers exposed to blood in the workplace.

HCV infection often occurs with no symptoms or only mild symptoms. But unlike HBV, chronic infection develops in 75% to 85% of patients, with active liver disease developing in 70%. Of the patients with active liver disease, 10% to 20% develop cirrhosis, and 1% to 5% develop liver cancer.

If you have suffered a Needle Stick Injury contact a New York Injury Lawyer

Needle Stick Injuries involve unique factual and legal issues. Few attorneys have experience handling these matters, however legal help is important to protect your rights, and obtain compensation for treatment and the long term consequences of these injuries.