The Way Accidental Sticks Can Affect A Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists always worry that they might accidentally poke themselves with a stick at some time in their career. I read a journal from “Clinical Advisor,” which discussed an emergency department phlebotomist’s incident. A man named “Mr. P” worked in both the hospital lab and as a phlebotomist. On a busy weekend night, Mr. P was taking a blood sample from a patient when the patient attacked him using the needle he used to take his blood sample. He learned later from another doctor that the patient has hepatitis and HIV.
Mr. P’s doctor advised him to consult an infectious disease specialist immediately. His usually lighthearted and happy personality became depressed over the course of several months as his medication took effect. The incident affected his life in many ways. Not only was he treated with pity by his colleagues, the medication made him sick and it affected his family life, but his job also changed. He was scared to kiss his wife, or even share a toothbrush. The specialist told him that his chances of contracting HIV and hepatitis were 95% unlikely, but it took months for him to be sure. He sued the hospital, claiming that nurses failed to inform him of the patient’s medical diagnosis and that she was in a state of instability. If he had been told, he claimed he would’ve taken extra precautions with the patient. Minimizing any risk that the incident will ever happen. Mr. P. was successful in his lawsuit and won $375,000 damages.
It is important to note that this incident can happen at any time and that a professional phlebotomist will always be able to take precautions, regardless of whether or not they are aware of the patient’s medical status. It also shows the daily risk that phlebotomists take to contract certain diseases. It also showed how serious it is to even come into contact with a high-risk situation. Mr. P’s personal and professional life were forever changed by the HIV/hepatitis diagnosis. Even though he received a 95% chance of not developing HIV/hepatitis he had to wait 6 months to get a 100%.
