Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SY(1), Yung SL(1), Sin MW(1), Choi WK(1), Lo WC(1), Cheung MH(2) , Szeto L(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Anaesthesia & Operating Theatre Services, Tseung Kwan O Hospital (2)Department of Surgery, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
In Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH), 10-core systematic transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is performed in Day Surgery Centre (DSC). Being a rapid procedure with a series of specimens, handling of sharps and the large number of specimens have been identified as the predominant risks of needle stick injury (NSI) and specimen labelling errors, respectively. Related incidents have been reported during the procedure in TKOH, hence, a tailor-made specimen collection stand has been introduced.
Objectives :
(i) To prevent NSI during sharps handling with biopsy gun in TRUS-guided prostate biopsy
(ii) To facilitate the process of specimen handling efficiently and correctly
Methodology :
A tailor-made transparent specimen collection stand was introduced which could serve several purposes. The stand could hold ten specimen bottles systematically for TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. It was designed with an inclined surface of 25 degrees to maximize the contact surface between specimen and formalin solution with standard fixed volume. It also facilitated nurses to visualize the specimens easily after rinsing it into the bottles. Moreover, sites of the 10-core TRUS-guided prostate biopsy were clearly labelled at the bottom of the transparent stand. Nurses would confirm with urologists the site of the specimen obtained and introduce the specimen in the corresponding bottle. Hence correct labelling of the specimens was guaranteed. Since formalin bottles were held inside the stand securely, nurses did not need to hold the specimen bottle with one hand while holding the biopsy gun with the other. This could theoretically prevent NSI.
Result & Outcome :
From Jan 2020 to Dec 2021, 377 patients underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy in DSC. There was no NSI nor specimen labeling errors related to the procedure. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the specimen collection stand, users’ satisfaction survey was conducted. Among 38 nurses at DSC, all nurses agreed the tilted angle of the stand could facilitate the process of specimen collection.
97.4% of respondents agreed that the stand could eliminate NSI and 95% agreed that it could prevent specimen labelling errors.
To conclude, this innovative design of specimen collection stand was effective in preventing NSI and ensuring correct specimen labelling.
