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.
Should you PEP after needlestick?
PEP should begin as soon as possible after exposure to HIV but certainly within 72 hours. Treatment with 2 or 3 ARVs should continue for 4 weeks, if tolerated. Researchers are also developing Pre- exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP might be used in similar ways as a vaccine.
What is the best treatment for a needle stick injury?
Treating needlestick injuries
- Wash the area gently with soap and running tap water as soon as possible.
- Apply an antiseptic and a clean dressing.
- Obtain prompt medical advice from your local doctor or hospital emergency department, preferably within 24 hours.
- Dispose of the needle safely.
Can you get Covid from a needle stick?
Although there appears to be a theoretical risk of transmission of infection through blood, it is still extremely low due to low volume of blood in needle stick injuries compared to the well-known respiratory route.
What diseases can you get from used needles?
Blood borne infections are commonly spread by people who inject drugs and share needles or syringes. Diseases that are spread this way include: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
What blood tests are done after a needlestick injury?
At the doctor’s surgery or emergency department Offer blood tests to check for pre-existing HIV, HBV and HCV. You should be offered counselling about these tests before the blood specimens are taken. Inform the original user of the needle about the needlestick injury – if they are known.
Do STD clinics reuse needles?
Answer: No. When blood is donated, sterilized needles are always used and are not reused.
What is the probability of HIV from a needle stick?
Also known as HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Probability of HIV transmission from a percutaneous needle stick is approximately 0.3% (1 in 300) and 0.09% from mucous membrane exposure.
When to take post exposure prophylaxis ( PEP ) for HIV?
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body. You must start it within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won’t work. Every hour counts! PEP should be used only in emergency situations.
Is there any way to prevent needlestick injuries?
Following known exposure to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be considered. PEP is known to be over 80% effective in preventing HIV from needlestick injuries. A different form of PEP, to protect against hepatitis B, is also available.
Can a health care worker get HIV from a needle?
Usually the exposure is from a “needle stick,” when a health care worker accidentally gets jabbed with a needle containing HIV-infected blood. PEP reduced the rate of HIV infection from workplace exposures by 79%. However, some health care workers who take PEP still get HIV infection.
