Needlestick Injuries: Infectious Risks and Immediate Response

Contaminated needlesticks can transmit bloodborne pathogens:

Pathogen	Transmission Risk (per percutaneous exposure)	Key Features
Hepatitis B (HBV)	6–30% (if source HBeAg+)	Vaccine-preventable; PEP with HBIG + vaccine
Hepatitis C (HCV)	1.8% (range 0–7%)	No vaccine; early antiviral cure >95%
HIV	0.3%	PEP within 72 hrs (3-drug regimen × 28 days)

Other Infections

• Tetanus: Clostridium tetani from soil-contaminated needles; update Tdap if >5–10 yrs.
• Staph / MRSA: Skin/soft tissue infection at puncture site.

Immediate Steps

1. Wash wound with soap/water (do not squeeze).
2. Report immediately per facility protocol.
3. Baseline labs (source + exposed); initiate PEP if indicated.
4. Follow-up testing at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months.

Prevention: safety-engineered devices, no recapping, sharps containers at point of use.