Table of Contents
Should I be worried about a needle stick injury?
Blood-borne diseases that could be transmitted by a needlestick injury include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and go to your doctor or nearest emergency department as soon as possible. The risk of disease transmission is low.
What is the biggest risk of a needle stick injury?
Healthcare professionals at the highest risk for needlestick injuries are surgeons, emergency room workers, laboratory room professionals, and nurses.
How common is needle stick injury?
Needlestick injuries are most like to happen among healthcare workers who are accidentally exposed to infected blood (occupational exposure). It is estimated that around three million such needlestick injuries take place globally each year, including one million in Europe, although not all such injuries are reported.
What happens when a nurse gets stuck with a needle?
For sharps/needlestick injuries, nurses should immediately wash the area with soap and water and “milk” the area to encourage bleeding. Viruses begin to multiply rapidly once in the bloodstream, so preventing entry into the bloodstream in the first place is extremely important.
Why needle stick injury happens?
Needlestick injuries are wounds caused by needles that accidentally puncture the skin. Needlestick injuries are a hazard for people who work with hypodermic syringes and other needle equipment. These injuries can occur at any time when people use, disassemble, or dispose of needles.
What do I do if I accidentally poked a used needle?
What should I do if I injure myself with a used needle?
- 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.
- dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing.
What are the risks of needlestick injuries?
Sustaining a needlestick injury or other type of exposure is scary. According to the CDC, there is an average of 385,000 sharps-related injuries annually among healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are at risk for contracting diseases such as Hepatitis B or C as well as HIV – which can be terrifying.
How to prevent needle and sharps injuries?
How to Prevent Needlestick and Sharps Injuries. • Bring standard-labeled, leak-proof, puncture-resistant sharps containers to clients’ homes. Do not assume such containers will be available there. Promptly dispose of used needle devices and sharps, which might be contaminated, in the containers.
What happens if a nurse gets a needlestick or other type of exposure?
What Happens If a Nurse Gets a Needlestick or Other Type of Exposure? Sustaining a needlestick injury or other type of exposure is scary. According to the CDC, there is an average of 385,000 sharps-related injuries annually among healthcare workers.
What is the risk of seroconversion after needle stick injury?
Approximately 0.3\% risk of seroconversion after needle stick injury. This risk varies with type of needle (hollow vs solid), type of injury (superficial vs intravenous etc), contamination (visible blood present on needle) and viral load of patient.