Abstract
The improper disposal of used medical needles presents a significant risk of needle stick injuries and infection transmission in healthcare settings. Existing needle disposal methods often fall short in terms of practicality, accessibility, and effectiveness, prompting the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces and assesses the performance of a fabricated needle crusher designed to address these challenges. The research focuses on four Primary Health Centers in Oluyole Local Government area, Ibadan, evaluating the efficiency and safety of the needle crusher through a comparative analysis with a metallic needle crusher from a previous study. The methodology involves key informant interviews, observation checklists, and an assessment of the needle crusher's performance, efficiency, and capacity. The needle crusher comprises three sections: insertion, crushing, and end-product, operating manually with a fiber-glass outer covering. The assessment includes a description of the foundry process used for recycling the crushed needles. Results indicate that the fiber-glass fabricated needle crusher demonstrates superior efficiency, portability, and safety compared to its metallic counterpart. The crushed needles, subjected to heat, turn to ashes, suggesting a coated diamond material. The study projects the global weight of needles, emphasizing the need for proper recycling and reduction measures. A detailed comparison between the metallic and fiber-glass fabricated needle crushers is presented, highlighting the latter's advantages in efficiency, size, power requirement, and mobility. In conclusion, the fiber-glass fabricated needle crusher proves to be a more efficient and portable solution, free from power source requirements and operational hazards. Subjecting the crushed needles to heat through the foundry process confirms their unique material properties. Recommendations include adopting the needle crusher in Primary Health Care Centers, with potential improvements in machine efficiency and power source options for enhanced usability.
Keywords
Needle Crusher, Assessment, fibre-glass Performance, Primary Health Centers
Citations
IRE Journals:
Fasasi-Aleshinloye, Abidat Olayemi , Prof. Coker Akinwale , Akolade Adebola Saheed , Adebiyi Abibat Yetunde , Olaomotito, Precious Adesope
"Performance Evaluation of Fibre Glass Fabricated Needle Crusher" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 8 2024 Page 307-313
IEEE:
Fasasi-Aleshinloye, Abidat Olayemi , Prof. Coker Akinwale , Akolade Adebola Saheed , Adebiyi Abibat Yetunde , Olaomotito, Precious Adesope
"Performance Evaluation of Fibre Glass Fabricated Needle Crusher" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(8)
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IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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