FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know

DOES PEXGUARD FOLLOW OSHA GUIDLINES?

Our product is designed and engineered with a strong commitment to safety, and it aligns with the guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We recognize the importance of minimizing the risk of needlestick injuries among healthcare providers, and our product is intended to provide a safer alternative when necessary. While OSHA generally recommends against needle recapping, we've developed our product to facilitate safe recapping in specific situations, taking into account the practical needs of healthcare professionals. It is essential to emphasize that our product should be used responsibly and in accordance with OSHA regulations and workplace safety protocols. We encourage healthcare facilities to provide proper training and education on the appropriate use of our product and to prioritize the safety of their staff by adhering to OSHA's broader safety guidelines.

WHO IS PEXGUARD FOR?

Pexguard is ideal for nurses, phlebotomists, medical laboratory technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, veterinarians, and other healthcare professionals who handle needles and syringes as part of their daily routines.

UNDERSTANDING NEEDLE RECAPPING: WHO, WHY, AND WHY NOT?

Needle recapping refers to the act of placing a protective cap back onto a needle after it has been used for a medical procedure, blood draw, or other similar tasks. This practice is primarily associated with healthcare settings and is often performed when healthcare providers believe it is necessary to secure a used needle temporarily.

Nurses, phlebotomists, medical laboratory technicians, and other healthcare professionals may engage in needle recapping. They do so for various reasons:

Temporary Needle Security: In situations where it is essential to maintain the integrity of a used needle temporarily (e.g., when switching between patients), some healthcare providers may recap needles to prevent accidental needlestick injuries.
Limited Availability of Safety Devices: In some healthcare settings, safety-engineered devices or needleless systems may not be readily available, leading providers to resort to recapping
Individuals Administering Injections at Home: Individuals who self-administer medications or provide care to family members, including children or elderly relatives, or even their pets may recap needles at home. This is often due to a lack of access to safety devices or the perception of needle security.

WHY SOME CHOOSE TO RECAP INSTEAD OF USING THE "SCOOP METHOD" OR SAFER ALTERNATIVES

The "scoop method" involves using a one-handed technique to recap a needle, which is considered safer than conventional two-handed methods. However, healthcare providers and individuals may choose to recap instead for several reasons:

Perceived Speed and Convenience: Recapping can be perceived as quicker and more convenient in fast-paced healthcare environments, where providers are under time
The "scoop method" involves using a one-handed technique to recap a needle, which is considered safer than conventional two-handed methods. However, healthcare providers and individuals may choose to recap instead for several reasons:
Perceived Speed and Convenience: Recapping can be perceived as quicker and more convenient in fast-paced healthcare environments, where providers are under time constraints.
Habit and Tradition: Long-standing habits and traditions in healthcare settings can influence the practice of recapping. Providers may continue to recap needles because it is what they have always done.
Limited Awareness: Some healthcare providers may not be fully aware of safer alternatives or may not receive adequate training on their use.

While needle recapping may be perceived as a necessary practice in certain situations, it is important to emphasize that safer alternatives, such as safety-engineered devices, retractable needles, and needleless systems, have been developed to minimize the need for recapping and reduce the associated risks of needlestick injuries. Promoting education and awareness of these alternatives is essential to enhancing safety in healthcare settings and at home.