Question

The use of swaged needles has greatly decreased the need for manual threading of free needles. What other advantages are there to using swaged needles? What safety problems may be associated with using swaged needles? How do you, as the scrubbed surgical technologist, help to minimize this problem?

Answer 1

Swaged needles have advantages such as saving time and reducing errors, but they can also pose safety issues like an increased risk of needlestick injuries. As a scrubbed surgical technologist, you can minimize these problems by following proper handling techniques.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compared to free needles, swaged needles have a number of advantages. First off, swaged needles eliminate the need for manual threading, saving time and lowering the possibility of mistakes. Swaged needles are also usually more secure because a metal hub holds them to the needle holder and keeps them from coming loose during the procedure.

Nevertheless, using swaged needles raises a few safety concerns. The fact that the needle is affixed to the syringe permanently raises the possibility of needlestick injuries, among other possible problems. Another issue is that during some procedures, the metal hub may make it difficult to see the needle tip.

By employing appropriate sharps handling practices, such as using needle safety devices to prevent needlestick injuries and making sure the needle tip is clearly visible during procedures, you, the scrubbed surgical technologist, can help minimize these safety issues. To further avoid unintentional injuries, used needles should be disposed of in approved sharps containers.