Hidden Hazards in Preclinical Research

Preclinical animal research is foundational to medical advancement, but workers in these labs face significant, yet frequently overlooked, occupational risks from needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs). Whether handling infectious agents, experimental biologics, or novel chemical compounds, animal care and research personnel may inadvertently expose themselves to severe hazards through percutaneous exposure.

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How Frequent Are NSIs in Laboratory Animal Facilities?

Data indicate that NSIs are widespread in veterinary and animal research environments. In a survey of veterinary technicians, 93% reported having sustained at least one NSI during their careers, with 74% indicating an injury in the past year [1]. A separate survey of Australian veterinarians found that 75.3% experienced at least one NSI within a 12-month period [2]. Given the similarity of tasks and exposure, these findings point to a comparable burden among preclinical laboratory staff.

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What Makes Laboratory Animal Work Uniquely Risky?

Preclinical research introduces several factors that elevate both the likelihood and the consequences of NSIs. Accidental sticks can transmit zoonotic pathogens or experimental infectious agents, with unknown or poorly understood outcomes. Lab personnel injecting small rodents, primates, or other animal models often work within biosafety cabinets or glove boxes, constrained spaces that impair visibility and maneuverability [5]. Manual restraint and the need to dose animals in bulk can lead to unexpected movements and inadvertent exposure.

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Procedural failures, notably during manipulations involving needles, are among the leading causes of laboratory-acquired infections [6]. Across biocontainment contexts, NSIs are frequently preceded by high-risk actions, including improper disposal or recapping, handling in tight spaces, and using devices without proper engineering controls.

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The Human and Research Consequences

NSIs in preclinical settings jeopardize individual health through inadvertent exposure to experimental agents or pathogens, some of which may lack approved safety profiles. Even minor injuries can lead to significant medical or psychological harms. Moreover, when research staff are sidelined, whether for evaluation or recovery, the disruption to specialized protocols affects data quality and lab continuity. These impacts extend well beyond individual incidents, threatening both safety and scientific integrity.

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Proactive Strategies for Sharps Safety in the Lab

Accurate tracking of all NSI events, no matter how minor, is essential to understanding frequency and preventing recurrence. Engineering controls should be standard: shielded needles, one-handed recapping tools, and ergonomic workstations all reduce exposure risk. Animal restraint solutions reduce accidental movements, and tailored training, reflecting species, procedure type, and compound risk, must be ongoing.

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Engineering Safer Practice

To bridge the gap between policy and practice, preclinical research facilities should adopt practical, intuitive tools that support safe workflow. Devices like HypoHolder, a Class I FDA-registered device enabling safe one-handed uncapping, recapping, and disposal of hypodermic needles, embody this shift, reducing procedural barriers and contributing to behavioral compliance without disrupting laboratory operations. When combined with robust reporting systems and species‑specific training, such devices help ensure that scientific progress does not come at the expense of personnel safety.