What happens if you get poked by a needle at work?
Some people, such as health care workers are at increased risk of needlestick injury, which occurs when the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. Blood-borne diseases that could be transmitted by such an injury include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV).
What to do if you get pricked by a needle at work?
as soon as possible, wash the area around the puncture for at least 30 seconds, using soap and warm water. Bottled water can also be used if no hand washing facilities are available. Do not squeeze or rub the area around the puncture instead: cover the site with band aid or similar dressing.
What is the most common needle stick injury?
Viral Hepatitis
Of the viruses, the most common organism acquired via a needlestick injury is hepatitis B. About 30% to 50% of individuals who do contract hepatitis B may develop jaundice, fever, nausea, and vague abdominal pain. In most individuals, these symptoms will spontaneously subside in 4 to 8 weeks.
Do all needle stick injuries bleed?
Generally, needlestick injuries cause only minor visible trauma or bleeding; however, even in the absence of bleeding the risk of viral infection remains.
How long after needlestick Should I get tested?
You should be tested for HCV antibody and liver enzyme levels (alanine amino- transferase or ALT) as soon as possible after the exposure (baseline) and at 4-6 months after the exposure. To check for infection earlier, you can be tested for the virus (HCV RNA) 4-6 weeks after the exposure.
What are the chances of getting a disease from a needlestick?
Your chances of catching a disease from a single needle stick are usually very low. About 1 out of 300 health care workers accidentally stuck with a needle from someone with HIV get infected. But for hepatitis B, the odds can be as high as nearly 1 in 3 if the worker hasn’t been vaccinated for it.
How long after a needlestick should you get tested?
If the source is determined to be HIV-positive, continue treatment for 4 weeks if tolerated. All workers exposed to HIV should undergo HIV antibody testing at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months.
What is the protocol for needle stick injury?
If any of these occur, take the following steps:
Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants. Report the incident to your supervisor. Immediately seek medical treatment.
Should I be worried about a needle stick injury?
Needlestick injuries can lead to serious or fatal infections with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or HIV.
What should not be done after a needle stick injury?
If you pierce or puncture your skin with a used needle, follow this first aid advice immediately:
- encourage the wound to bleed, ideally by holding it under running water.
- wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap.
- do not scrub the wound while you’re washing it.
- do not suck the wound.
How soon should you be tested after a needlestick?