One of the most common injuries in healthcare involves sharps injuries. These types of injuries refer to any incident in which a healthcare worker is stuck with a sharp medical instrument. Sutures are often a source of sharps injuries, but pop-off sutures may be able to reduce or eliminate suture-related injuries.
What Does “Pop Off” Mean?
A pop-off suture is also known as a controlled release suture. With a controlled release suture, the surgeon is able to release the needle from the needle harder with a sharp tug. This eliminates the use of scissors that were traditionally used to cut the suture.
Controlled Release Sutures and Sharp Injury Reduction
Controlled release sutures are typically used in situations requiring the quick placement of sutures. If traditional sutures were used in these settings, that would require multiple uses of scissors to cut the sutures. Continual use of needles and scissors in the same setting, along with the rapid pace of the procedure, increases the chances of a sharps injury occurring. By using pop-off or controlled release sutures, clinicians and surgical technicians can remain in a safer environment.
Sharps Injuries in Healthcare
A sharps injury, also known as a needlestick injury, can be very dangerous to healthcare workers. These types of injuries occur with sutures, scalpels, and needles. When skin is pierced, diseases can be transmitted from patient to healthcare provider or vice versa. Reducing sharps injuries reduces the spread of disease.
Contact Sharps Fluidics, Inc. to learn about Pop-Off Sutures.
