SANDY, Utah, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Healthcare workers now
have the ability to better identify risks for exposure to
bloodborne pathogens, take precautions to better protect
themselves, and share information and experiences as a result of a
new program developed by BD Medical, a segment of BD (Becton,
Dickinson and Company) and the world’s leading provider of IV
catheters.
The BD Making Safety Safer(SM) program will provide nurses and
other healthcare professionals with a forum to share information on
risks, precautions and interventions, learn from experts and peers,
and assist hospitals and other healthcare organizations in
addressing ongoing concerns relating to blood exposure due to
insertion of a short peripheral IV catheter (SPIVC).
Cheryll Collins, BSN, RN, OCN was exposed to blood from a
patient infected with HIV and Hepatitis C. “As I unhooked the
[needle] chamber, the patient pulled her arm away. The blood
that was left in the hub went straight across my face and into my
eye,” said Collins. “That incident had a profound impact on my
life, as well the lives of my husband and family.” To view a
video of her personal story, visit www.bd.com/bloodcontrol.
“Although the healthcare industry has come a long way in
reducing the risk of needlestick injuries and their potential
dangers, mucocutaneous blood exposure during a short peripheral IV
catheter insertion is still a risk today,” said John Ledek, Vice
President, BD Medical – Medical Surgical Systems. “BD created this
educational resource to enable clinicians to better protect
themselves.”
This program will help educate nurses to approach short
peripheral IV insertion with more caution, such as using
appropriate personal protective equipment and taking other
appropriate precautions to better protect themselves from
contaminated blood.
BD also is sponsoring online forums on blood safety and
inviting
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