OSHA Rules Against Re-Using Blood Tube Collection Holders
SEIU's complaint to CalOSHA results in definitive OSHA ruling against penny-pinching practice of re-using blood tube collection holders.
OSHA has forcefully clarified their position against the re-use of blood tube holders when health care workers draw patient's blood.
Historically, needle manufacturers have encouraged and employers have required workers to disconnect contaminated needles from used blood tube holders. The result is that workers risk a needlestick injury while employers save mere pennies on the cost of a new blood tube holder.
In an attempt to stop this practice, SEIU filed a complaint against a California hospital resulting in a CalOSHA citation that upheld the outlawing of the practice.
OSHA's recent action is a victory for all health care workers who draw patient's blood; and a victory for patients who will no longer be potentially exposed to blood from other patients. Unfortunately, this action is too late for those heath care workers, such as Julie Naunheim-Hipps, who contracted Hepatitis C from this dangerous practice.
View OSHA's press release and letter of interpretation.
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