Sharps injuries amongst healthcare workers: review of incidence, transmissions and costs.

Background: Sharps injuries and the related risk of infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represent one of the major occupational health risks for healthcare workers (HCWs).

Literature Review: An overview of available data on the incidence of sharps injuries and the related HBV, HCV and HIV infections and ensuing costs is provided.

Results: Literature reported incidence rates of sharps injuries ranging from 1.

On line UV-adsorbance measurements. Summary of the EDTNA/ERCA journal club discussion. Summer 2006.

The discussion was initiated by a paper comparing the measurement of dialysis dose (Kt/V) and solute clearance using on-line ultra-violet absorbance, blood and dialysate urea and ionic dialysance by Uhlin et al (NDT 2006). Participants from 14 countries discussed the theory behind the UV absorbance technique and the potential for its use in routine practice, the correlation between Kt/V measured using different methods, the use of ionic dialysance and the optimisation of dose monitoring. The 'take-home' messages from the discussion were that UV-absorbance could help ensure the delivery of dialysis dose as it provides real time feedback on the effect interventions such as repositioning of needles.