What is the protocol need to be followed post needle stick injury?
If any of these occur, take the following steps: Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants. Report the incident to your supervisor.
Should I report a needlestick injury?
If you sustain a sharps injury, it is very important to report the injury to your employer and to file an injury report. The objective of an injury report is to receive immediate post exposure care and to learn from incidents.
How long after needlestick Should I get tested?
You should be tested for HCV antibody and liver enzyme levels (alanine amino- transferase or ALT) as soon as possible after the exposure (baseline) and at 4-6 months after the exposure. To check for infection earlier, you can be tested for the virus (HCV RNA) 4-6 weeks after the exposure.
Are needlestick injuries common?
Needlesticks are a common occurrence in the health care profession. It is estimated that 600 000 to 800 000 needlestick injuries occur per year in the United States [1]. Of these, many, if not most, go unreported [2].
How do you file a needlestick injury?
You must record all work-related needlestick injuries and cuts from sharp objects that are contaminated with another person’s blood or other potentially infectious material (as defined by 29 CFR 1910.1030). You must enter the case on the OSHA 300 Log as an injury.
How can needle stick injuries be prevented?
Avoid recapping or bending needles that might be contaminated. Bring standard-labeled, leak-proof, puncture-resistant sharps containers to clients’ homes. Do not assume such containers will be available there. Promptly dispose of used needle devices and sharps, which might be contaminated, in the containers.
Where do most needlestick injuries occur?
Research shows that nurses sustain the most needlestick injuries. Most needlestick injuries occur: • In patient wards, operating room and recovery. During injections and suturing.