What to do after a needlestick injury

Published: 01 October 2011

The Department of Health’s guidance1 recommends that immediately after any exposure (whether or not the source is known to pose a risk of infection) the site of exposure, e.g. wound or non-intact skin, should be washed liberally with soap and water but without scrubbing. Antiseptics and skin washes should not be used. Free bleeding of puncture wounds should be encouraged gently but wounds should not be sucked. Exposed mucous membranes, including conjunctivae, should be irrigated copiously with water, before and after removing any contact lenses.

A risk assessment should be made urgently by someone other than the exposed worker about the appropriateness of starting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), ideally an appropriately trained doctor designated according to local arrangements for the provision of urgent post-exposure advice. Consideration should also be given to risk of exposure to hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

References

  1. Department of Health HIV post-exposure prophylaxis: Guidance from the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Expert Advisory Group on AIDS. London, 2008
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.