Sharps Injury Statistics

The best way to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens is to prevent percutaneous injuries, meaning needlesticks or cuts with other sharp objects (commonly referred to as "sharps").

According to the CDC, 48 percent of all percutaneous injuries occur during the use of a sharp item. Another 30 percent occur after use, but before disposal, of the item. Eleven percent of sharps injuries are disposal related, which could include being cut by the object being disposed, or by another object protruding from or piercing through the disposal container.

Three percent of sharps injuries occur while recapping a used needle, and 8 percent result from other various causes, such as sharp items left in inappropriate places.

Sharps injuries can result from a wide range of causes in the medical and other professions.

• Hollow-bore needles, such as hypodermic or IV needles, are the leading cause of infection, since they often contain blood.
• The most common source of injury is disposable syringes, which cause 31% of sharps injuries.
• Suture needles cause another 24% of injuries.
• Pre-filled cartridge syringes and IV catheters each cause 3% of sharps injuries.
• Reusable and disposable scalpels make up 8% of sharps injuries.
• Winged-steel needles cause 5% of sharps injuries.
• The remaining 24% of sharps injuries are caused by other sharp items, such as broken glass, lancets, bone cutters, or scissors.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.