Needlestick Injuries among Surgeons in Training

An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick and other percutaneous injuries are reported annually among U.S. health care workers.1 These injuries can result in substantial health consequences and psychological stress for providers and their loved ones.2?4 All health care providers who perform invasive procedures with sharp instruments are at risk for injury5; however, the operating-room setting presents the greatest risk.6?8 Surgeons in training have the greatest risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, given their numerous encounters involving the use of sharp instruments on patients and the increased propensity for injury while learning new technical skill sets.6 The hazard . . .