| Sub-title | |
| Authors | N Debattista N Ciantar |
| Abstract | Aims: An incident is defined as an unplanned event with the potential to cause injury (accident) or damage to personnel, materials, equipment, or property. Incidents in the Pathology Department were analysed and defined in order to attempt to put systems in place to prevent recurrence. It was also observed that the number of incidents in the Pathology Department decreased from 2004 to 2006 by 55%. Methods: All incidents occurring at the Pathology Department between January 2004 and August 2006 were recorded and analysed using a Nstandard data form. Incident investigations were also carried out to provide detailed information on each event. Incidents were classified according to their nature. Results: A total of 80 incidents were recorded, of which the commonest was exposure to blood (36.3%) and the least common were incidents involving chemical exposure (2.5%). Near misses amounted to 18.8%. Conclusion: Incidents are decreasing since 2004 possibly indicating good laboratory safety procedures and better understanding and adherence to departmental safety policies. Laboratory safety audits were also introduced. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | blood exposure, needlestick injury, pathology department, incident reporting |