Medical workers are at risk for getting injured if they puncture the skin with needles.It is estimated that in excess of 600,000 needle stick injuries occur to US health care workers every year, each potentially exposing them to disease.It's important to take immediate precautions so that the needle stick injury doesn't lead to an infectious disease.To find out what to do, look at Step 1.
Step 1: At the site of a puncture, encourage bleeding.
Cool water can be run over the bleeding area.Potential infections are washed away from the wound in order to minimize entry into the bloodstream.It is best to prevent the virus cells from entering the bloodstream in the first place.
Step 2: The wound should be washed.
You can wash the site of the needle stick or sharps entry with soap after you have bled the wound.This will help to eliminate infections and reduce the chance of infections.Don't wash the wound while you scrub it.This can make the injury worse.Don't try to suck the wound.
Step 3: You can cover the wound.
To cover a wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing, use a sterile material.
Step 4: Blood and needle contents can be seen on other parts of your body.
If the contents of the needle are splashed on the skin, wash them with soap.
Step 5: Irrigate eyes with water or irrigants.
If there was splashing, flush the eyes.
Step 6: Change potentially contaminated clothing.
Place clothing in a sealed bag.After undressing, wash your hands and parts of the body that were in contact with the potentially infectious clothing, then don fresh clothing.
Step 7: Seek medical attention right away.
You will need to explain the circumstances of the injury.If further treatment is needed, your blood may be tested.Immediate treatment will be given in the case of exposure to other pathogens.Antibiotics or a vaccine could be involved.Depending on your past history, you might need a tetanus shot.
Step 8: Determine if HIV exposure is possible.
Sero-conversion should be prevented immediately.Sero-conversion due to needle stick injuries is very small.There is no need to panic because the percentage is very low.The HIV status of the worker will be checked.Rapid tests can be used to give a confirmed HIV status.If exposure is likely, prophylactic medication should be administered within an hour.The rate of transmission can be reduced by the use of anti-retroviral drugs.When responding to needle stick injuries, all clinics and hospitals have a protocol in place.
Step 9: Do you know if other exposures are possible?
It is important that swift action is taken, as well as preventative measures, because the risk for hepatitis transference is much higher than for HIV.
Step 10: You can report the incident.
You should check the reporting procedures at your workplace.Statistics gathered can help improve workplace practices for everyone's future safety, and it is important to let your workplace know what has happened.There are injuries with sterile sticks.
Step 11: Follow up testing and medical supervision is needed for your recovery.
The time during which a person is exposed to a virus still tests negative, even though the virus is multiplying, should be done at required intervals through the window period.Testing for HIV exposure usually takes six weeks, three, six, and 12 months.It usually takes six weeks after the incident for the retesting to take place.
Step 12: Next time, have a plan for action.
If you don't already have a protocol in place for dealing with needlestick injuries, create one.This information is available on the phone or in person at hospitals, clinics, and other medical care centers.
Step 13: Ensure safe working practices in a health care setting.
Hand wash after direct contact with patients is recommended by the World Health Organization.Gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, and goggles are used when in contact with blood and other body fluids.It is a good idea to collect and dispose of needles and sharps.Each patient care area has puncture- and liquid- proof boxes.Keep needles from being two-handed.The one handed needle capping technique is used.All cuts and abrasions should be covered with a waterproof dressing.Carefully clean up spills of blood and body fluids with gloves on.Health care waste management and disposal can be done safely.
Step 14: Work practices should be safe in other workplace environments.
Workers are at risk for needlestick injuries in tattoo parlors and piercing shops.Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear when handling potentially dangerous items such as garbage bags or picking up piles of garbage.When sticking your hands into places you can't see, take care.When walking through or working in areas known for drug use, wear solid footwear.
Step 15: Don't distract yourself when working with needles and needles.
Stay focused on what you are doing at all times.Don't look away or work in a bad light while dealing with the needle stick.Patients who are restless or panicked can easily move as you insert or withdraw the needle.When you're sure it's safe to insert the needle, Reassure them.