Needlestick injury

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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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

Drawing blood using a vacutainer in the United States

Map of sharps disposal regulations by US state

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

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

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 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 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

• Healthcare worker safety
• Occupational safety and health
• Infection control

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