Background: Interventional radiology (IR) procedures pose unique high risks for the personnel
working to be exposed to sharp injuries (including needlestick) and splash exposures
due to the invasive nature and unique procedural circumstances of IR such as dark
rooms, sterile drapes, catheters and tubing, etc. Such occupational incidents are
serious hazards carrying the risks of bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B &
C and human immunodeficiency virus and chemical injuries with the consequences and
costs at personal and institutional levels. However, although such incidents are still
common, they are often preventable. Several recommendations have been published for
universal precautions focusing on prevention and management strategies to include
institutionalizing a culture of safety and implementing educational and training programs
regarding biosafety and exposure control in addition to improving the personal behavior
and verbal communications inside the IR suite related to handling the sharps, syringes
and tubing and using of personal protective gear.
Educational Points: IR suite has a unique environment circumstance that put the personnel at considerable
risk for sharp injuries and splash exposure. It is essential that IR personnel adhere
strictly to the biosafety institutional exposure control plan and protocols. Safe
sharps handling practice and appropriate personal protective gear are essential in
reducing such incidents and their consequences. Periodic education and training IR
personnel can help reducing such incidents.
