BD’s Sharp Thinking: Transition From Traditional Needle-Bearing Devices
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Becton Dickinson's decision to discontinue sales of its conventional Insyte IV catheters beginning in September is indicative of a trend away from standard needle-bearing offerings in the U.S. in favor of safety-engineered designs
You may also be interested in...
Abbott Retracts Needle-Bearing Devices, Sticks Bar Codes On I.V. Solutions
Abbott is working to convert customers of its standard reseal line of I.V. sets to needleless alternatives to help prevent needlesticks as part of a broader, two-pronged safety initiative outlined March 27
FDA Considers Needlestick Safety Standards For Banning Devices
FDA is soliciting public comment on safety criteria to determine whether to ban certain needlestick devices and create standards aimed at reducing injury risk among health care workers
Bloodborne pathogens
Occupational Health and Safety Administration issues directive Nov. 28 for enforcing bloodborne pathogens standard that was revised in January following passage of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000, which directed employers to choose safer needle devices (1"The Gray Sheet" Jan. 22, 2001, p. 24). OSHA notes that although the agency does not advocate one medical device in all instances, "ideally, the most effective way of removing the hazard of a contaminated needle is to eliminate the needle completely by converting to needleless systems"...