What to do after a needlestick injury

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.