Sharps injuries among radiographers: Dangers associated with opening bottles of contrast agent

Abstract 

Purpose

Injuries associated with the use of glass bottles in the healthcare setting have been largely overlooked in the literature. Such injuries are sustained if the glass is broken, but more often during the opening of the bottles, either directly on the sharp edges of the aluminium crimp-top seals or indirectly when another instrument is used to prise open the bottle after the crimp-top opening mechanism fails. Such injuries are not inconsequential; of sharps injuries (excluding those caused by hollow-bore needles), an estimated 16% are caused by glass and a further 15% by other sharp items. Furthermore, any puncture wound in the healthcare setting carries a threat of transmission of infectious blood-borne diseases. This survey is the first of its kind to be done in Europe, and offers an insight into the risk of bottle-opening associated injuries in radiology departments.

Results

The findings indicate that radiographers/technologists are injured up to 24.4 times (±22.2) a year during the opening of glass bottles of contrast agents, translating into 3.5h a month of lost time in an average radiology department of 24.4 radiographers or technologists; although almost half (47%) of the injuries draw blood, few are reported and the respondents in this survey were generally unconcerned by the risks.

Conclusion

The injuries discussed can be a nuisance and disturb the workflow of the department and are, importantly, avoidable, with polymer bottles available that pose no threat during opening or when damaged.

Keywords: Radiography, Polypropylene, Contrast media, Bottle, Sharps injury, Aluminium crimp-top injuries