We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

656 Bloodborne Pathogens in the Healthcare Setting
Skip to main content

Safer Medical Devices

Safer medical devices must be evaluated annually for their effectiveness in preventing occupational exposures to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Selecting a safer device based solely on the lowest cost is not appropriate, and selection must be based on employee feedback and device effectiveness. If commercially available safer devices are available and appropriate, the use of the safer devices must be implemented.

Examples of safer medical devices are:

  • a syringe with a protective shield surrounding the needle; or
  • a syringe with a retractable needle; or
  • a lancet with a retractable blade; or
  • a device with a blunt tip; or
  • a device that has no needle.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

7-4. Selecting a safer medical device must be based on _____.