Biological risk assessment in a hemodialysis unit at a hospital in Nicaragua

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational health and safety in hospital units must be kept under constant surveillance, mainly in those areas where there is susceptibility or predisposition to higher risk for workers, such as hemodialysis areas, where biological risks represent a serious danger to the well-being not only of patients but also of the staff.

Objective: To evaluate the biological risks in hemodialysis at a private hospital in Managua in 2025.

Methods: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. Electronic interviews were carried out with workers, direct observation of their activities was performed, and the collected information was recorded electronically. A modified three-dimensional risk matrix was applied since the appropriate software for its implementation was unavailable.

Results: Of the 63 participating workers, the majority were women with less than ten years of experience and were nurses specializing in hemodialysis. Needle use represented the main accident hazard at 28%, followed by equipment and surface contamination. The main occupational risks experienced were contact with bodily fluids and needlestick injuries.

Conclusions: The main occupational hazard identified was needlestick injuries, the primary workplace risk experienced by staff, along with contamination from bodily fluids and wounds. The three-dimensional risk matrix is a useful tool in the risk assessment of hemodialysis processes.