Dealing with a Sharps Injury

What to do if you have experienced a Needlestick Injury or Exposure to Blood Borne Virus...

Bleed It

Encourage bleeding of accidental puncture wound by gently squeezing

DO NOT MASSAGE OR SUCK THE AREA

Wash It

Wash the affected area with soap and warm water and cover with a waterproof dressing.

Treat mucosal surfaces such as mouth or eyes by rinsing with copious amounts of warm water. Water used for rinsing the mouth must not be swallowed.

If contact lenses are used, eye irrigation should take place before and after removing the lens.

Attend local hospital Accident & Emergency or walk-in centre.

DO NOT SCRUB THE AREA

DO NOT USE BLEACH ON THE INJURY

Attend local hospital Accident & Emergency

Attend Accident & Emergency within an hour of exposure to high risk blood and body fluids

Ensure Accident & Emergency staff aware that needle stick injury is a high risk injury

Report It

Complete an Online Incident Report Form

Attend Accident & Emergency to report incident/injury so that an infection/blood borne virus risk assessment can be carried out (if possible, within 1 hour of exposure).

The hospital can prescribe antibiotics/Hepatitis B vaccination/booster/immunoglobulin as required and can refer to local GUM Clinic if necessary for further assessment of HIV PEP treatment. PEP must be commenced within 72hrs of exposure to be effective.

Post exposure immunisation is effective in preventing infection.

Management request a referral to Occupational Health if required. Note: The University on site Occupational Health department Do Not provide treatment or vaccinations, sharps injury must be assessed and where required treated at the nearest A&E or walk-in centre facility. Occupational Health will review individuals to check the ongoing management of injury/incident and can make recommendation for workplace adjustments where necessary.