Dangers associated with opening containers of contrast agent in an imaging department at a general hospital in Malta.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence of injuries related to the opening of containers of contrast agent in the lmaging Department at a local public general hospital. The researcher also aimed to assess the gravity of the injuries sustained as well as investigate whether these injuries go unreported. Through this study the researcher also wanted to evaluate the awareness of the staff of the imaging department on the correct policies and procedures to follow when treating and reporting such injuries. Research Method: As a research method the researcher made use of a structured questionnaire in order to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of eighteen staff members of the imaging department who made use of contrast agents throughout their course of duty. Results: The findings indicate that staff members had in fact sustained injuries when opening containers of contrast agent. Although all injuries were of moderate severity, none had been reported and most staff members did not know or were unsure of what action to take in such instances. Conclusion: The findings clearly confirmed that the staff members needed more knowledge of policies and procedures currently in place. The use of alternative designed containers of contrast media could reduce the number of such types of injuries.