This website is intended for UK healthcare professionals only
User log in




Trial log in
  

NEEDLESTICK/SHARPS INJURY

A skin puncture caused by a hypodermic needle or sharp or broken item of equipment (e.g. scalpel, mounted needle, broken glassware, etc.) A needlestick injury is of concern because of the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses (HBV, HCV, HIV). Most common cause in healthcare professionals is attempted re-sheathing of needles.

Health & Safety Executive Sharps injuries, 2013 https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/needlesticks/

Public Health England. Eye of the Needle, 2014. 

 

If the sharp was used or dirty:

  • Encourage wound to bleed, to expel contaminants
  • Wash with soap and warm water. Do not scrub. Do not use antiseptics
  • Dry and apply waterproof plaster
  • Report to practice manager/senior partner immediately
  • Assess risk - contact occupational health or local consultant in communicable disease control/consultant microbiologist/virologist or genitourinary medicine or A&E
  • Complete accident form.

See Green Book for prophylaxis and procedure where there is substantial risk of blood-borne infection (HIV or hepatitis), also for primary and reinforcing immunisation.

Hepatitis B prophylaxis

HBV immunoglobulin (HBIG) confers passive immunity and gives immediate but temporary protection after accidental inoculation or contamination with HBV-infected blood. HBIG is recommended only in high-risk situation or a known non-responder to vaccine. Should ideally be given with 24 hours of exposure, but can be considered at up to 1 week. An HBV vaccination course confers active immunity. If an unprotected individual is at high risk of infection, the vaccine can be given at the same time as HBIG.

Practice Nurse featured articles

Infection control in general practice Kate Taylor

Issues in personal safety Dr Mary Lowth 

Return to index