Needlestick injury: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Needlestick injury | |||
| image = [[File:Sharps_Container.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A [[sharps container]] used for disposing of needles | |||
| field = [[Occupational medicine]] | |||
| synonyms = Needlestick, percutaneous injury | |||
| symptoms = [[Bleeding]], [[pain]] at the site of injury | |||
| complications = [[Hepatitis B]], [[Hepatitis C]], [[HIV]] | |||
| onset = Immediate | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = Accidental puncture by a [[needle]] | |||
| risks = [[Healthcare workers]], [[laboratory technicians]], [[sanitation workers]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation | |||
| prevention = Use of [[safety needles]], [[sharps containers]], [[personal protective equipment]] | |||
| treatment = [[Wound cleaning]], [[post-exposure prophylaxis]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on exposure and treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in healthcare settings | |||
}} | |||
[[File:DrawingBloodUnitedStatesVacutainer.jpg|Drawing blood using a vacutainer in the United States|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Sharps_Disposal_in_Trash_by_US_State_Map.svg|Map of sharps disposal regulations by US state|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Needlestick injury''' is a common type of [[injury]] that occurs in the [[healthcare]] industry. It involves the skin being accidentally punctured by a needle during medical procedures. This can lead to various [[infections]] and diseases, including [[Hepatitis B]], [[Hepatitis C]], and [[HIV]]. | '''Needlestick injury''' is a common type of [[injury]] that occurs in the [[healthcare]] industry. It involves the skin being accidentally punctured by a needle during medical procedures. This can lead to various [[infections]] and diseases, including [[Hepatitis B]], [[Hepatitis C]], and [[HIV]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Needlestick injuries can occur in various ways, such as during the disposal of used needles, recapping of needles, or handling of sharp objects. They are most common among healthcare workers, especially those who frequently handle needles and other sharp objects. | Needlestick injuries can occur in various ways, such as during the disposal of used needles, recapping of needles, or handling of sharp objects. They are most common among healthcare workers, especially those who frequently handle needles and other sharp objects. | ||
== Risks == | == Risks == | ||
The main risk associated with needlestick injuries is the transmission of blood-borne diseases. The risk of infection depends on various factors, including the type of needle, the depth of the injury, and the amount of blood involved. | The main risk associated with needlestick injuries is the transmission of blood-borne diseases. The risk of infection depends on various factors, including the type of needle, the depth of the injury, and the amount of blood involved. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of needlestick injuries involves various strategies, such as the use of safety-engineered devices, proper disposal of used needles, and training of healthcare workers. In addition, post-exposure prophylaxis can be used to reduce the risk of infection after a needlestick injury. | Prevention of needlestick injuries involves various strategies, such as the use of safety-engineered devices, proper disposal of used needles, and training of healthcare workers. In addition, post-exposure prophylaxis can be used to reduce the risk of infection after a needlestick injury. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of needlestick injuries involves immediate washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by medical evaluation and treatment as necessary. This may include testing for blood-borne diseases and administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. | Treatment of needlestick injuries involves immediate washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by medical evaluation and treatment as necessary. This may include testing for blood-borne diseases and administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Healthcare worker safety]] | * [[Healthcare worker safety]] | ||
* [[Occupational safety and health]] | * [[Occupational safety and health]] | ||
* [[Infection control]] | * [[Infection control]] | ||
[[Category:Medical terms]] | [[Category:Medical terms]] | ||
[[Category:Occupational safety and health]] | [[Category:Occupational safety and health]] | ||
[[Category:Injuries]] | [[Category:Injuries]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:01, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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| Needlestick injury | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Needlestick, percutaneous injury |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Bleeding, pain at the site of injury |
| Complications | Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV |
| Onset | Immediate |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Accidental puncture by a needle |
| Risks | Healthcare workers, laboratory technicians, sanitation workers |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation |
| Differential diagnosis | N/A |
| Prevention | Use of safety needles, sharps containers, personal protective equipment |
| Treatment | Wound cleaning, post-exposure prophylaxis |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on exposure and treatment |
| Frequency | Common in healthcare settings |
| Deaths | N/A |
Needlestick injury is a common type of injury that occurs in the healthcare industry. It involves the skin being accidentally punctured by a needle during medical procedures. This can lead to various infections and diseases, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
Causes[edit]
Needlestick injuries can occur in various ways, such as during the disposal of used needles, recapping of needles, or handling of sharp objects. They are most common among healthcare workers, especially those who frequently handle needles and other sharp objects.
Risks[edit]
The main risk associated with needlestick injuries is the transmission of blood-borne diseases. The risk of infection depends on various factors, including the type of needle, the depth of the injury, and the amount of blood involved.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of needlestick injuries involves various strategies, such as the use of safety-engineered devices, proper disposal of used needles, and training of healthcare workers. In addition, post-exposure prophylaxis can be used to reduce the risk of infection after a needlestick injury.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of needlestick injuries involves immediate washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by medical evaluation and treatment as necessary. This may include testing for blood-borne diseases and administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
