What is the correct procedure if you get a needle stick injury?

If you experience a needle stick injury, immediate action is crucial to minimize the risk of infection.

Here's a breakdown of the recommended procedure, based on available information:

Immediate First Aid

The first and most critical step is to address the wound immediately. According to current guidelines, this involves:

• Cleaning the Wound:
  • Rinse and wash the area thoroughly with running water and soap.
  • Avoid using antiseptics or disinfectants at this stage.
• Dealing with Splashes:
  • If any splashes occur in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush them out with water or sterile saline.

Subsequent Steps

While the reference provides information on immediate first aid, it is incomplete. A complete procedure should involve:

1. Report the Incident: Immediately report the incident to your supervisor or the designated person in your organization responsible for handling such incidents.
2. Seek Medical Evaluation: Promptly seek medical attention. This typically involves blood tests to assess your baseline status for infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. The source patient may also be tested (with their consent) to determine their infection status.
3. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Depending on the risk assessment and the source patient's status, you may be offered Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is a course of medication taken to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure. It needs to be started as soon as possible, ideally within hours of the exposure.
4. Documentation: Document the incident thoroughly, including details of how it happened, the type of needle involved, and the source patient (if known).

Table Summarizing the Procedure

Step	Description	Importance
Wash the wound	Rinse and wash the area well with running water and soap. Avoid using antiseptics or disinfectants.	Reduces the risk of infection at the entry point.
Flush splashes	Flush eyes, nose, and mouth with water or sterile saline.	Prevents potential infection through mucous membranes.
Report the incident	Inform your supervisor or designated authority immediately.	Initiates the necessary protocols and documentation.
Seek Medical Evaluation	Get a medical evaluation, including blood tests and risk assessment.	Determines your baseline status and identifies potential risks.
Consider PEP	Depending on the risk assessment, discuss the possibility of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) with a healthcare professional.	Can prevent HIV infection if started promptly.
Document the incident	Record all details of the incident.	For tracking, analysis, and future prevention.