Does OSHA allow reuse of phlebotomy blood tube holders?
No. Reuse of standard phlebotomy tube holders has been a common practice and hotly debated over the past year as a practice that poses a potential risk of injury. OSHA has determined that removal of the needle from a phlebotomy tube holder for the purpose of reusing the holder poses a risk of injury from the “back end” needle, regardless of the technique used. As such, OSHA prohibits removal of contaminated needles from the phlebotomy tube holder unless medically indicated. Medical indication for needle removal would need to be specified in the exposure control plan. OSHA has indicated that medically indicated exceptions would not include the need for reusable holders to reduce the amount of waste, for example. OSHA has published a Letter of Interpretation regarding “reuse of phlebotomy tube holders” that clarifies the requirements and expectations for compliance. Go to: http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101503.
No. Reuse of standard phlebotomy tube holders has been a common practice and hotly debated over the past year as a practice that poses a potential risk of injury. OSHA has determined that removal of the needle from a phlebotomy tube holder for the purpose of reusing the holder poses a risk of injury from the “back end” needle, regardless of the technique used. As such, OSHA prohibits removal of contaminated needles from the phlebotomy tube holder unless medically indicated. Medical indication for needle removal would need to be specified in the exposure control plan. OSHA has indicated that medically indicated exceptions would not include the need for reusable holders to reduce the amount of waste, for example. OSHA has published a Letter of Interpretation regarding “reuse of phlebotomy tube holders” that clarifies the requirements and expectations for compliance.
