U.S. Safety Devices and Containers Markets

Abstract

New Precautionary Legislation Concerning Safety Devices Drives Research and Development

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) new directive states that healthcare providers select safety devices based on appropriateness of the procedure, effectiveness, cost, and availability. This is spurring research efforts to develop new devices, such as a low-cost, retracting needle syringe. The annual review of medical devices has made it mandatory for healthcare providers to document information about new or prospective safety device options as part of their exposure control plan. The recorded safety device must be used when it becomes available. More states are beginning to comply with these rules, increasing demand for improved products.

This new research service from Frost & Sullivan analyzes the U.S. safety devices and containers markets and provides an analysis of drivers and restraints that affect sales. It provides strategic analysis and forecasts, and industry trends along with potential market impact.

High Incidence in Needlestick Injuries Creates a Need for Safety Devices

For every 100,000 conventional needles used, 1 to 40 needlestick injuries occur. Approximately 2.7 percent of the needlestick injuries each year result in HIV exposure. "Although the risk of being infected through a needlestick injury is low, the consequences are tremendous," says the analyst of this research service. Besides contracting bloodborne pathogen infections, other serious consequences include the psychological trauma of waiting for the serological results, side effects of prophylactic drugs, chronic disabilities, and denial of worker compensation claims. Personal changes such as sexual practices and delayed childbearing because of being infected increase the trauma associated with contracting these diseases.

Hollow-bore needles with noticeable traces of fresh blood present the greatest threat. This led to the adoption of needleless IV systems in the early 1990s, which considerably reduced the number of needlestick injuries. "Since about 80 percent of needlestick injuries may be prevented with the use of safety needles, this ensures a huge market for safety devices," adds the analyst.

Changes in Government Regulations for Occupational Safety Spur Growth

In spite of the earlier Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens standard published by OSHA, needlestick injuries continued to infect about 600,000 healthcare workers each year with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus. In January 2001, OSHA published a revised standard, which requires that healthcare providers including those of the non-managerial cadre such as nurses and physicians conduct an annual evaluation and implementation of safety devices.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that this development could prevent 62-88 percent of needlesticks and sharps injuries in the hospital environment. This increased vigilance ensures market growth over the forecast period.