What should I do if I injure myself with a used needle?

Getting poked by a needle can be concerning. However, it is important to remember that the risk of infection from an improperly discarded needle in the community is extremely low. In the event of a needle stick injury, the following steps should be taken:

• Allow the wound to bleed freely. Do not squeeze the wound. This may damage the tissues and increase risk of infection.
• Wash the wound with soap and water. Do not apply bleach or alcohol to the wound.
• Go to your local emergency department immediately for follow-up care.
• An assessment will be done to determine the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (e.g., medications and/or vaccinations to further reduce the risk of transmission). Baseline blood tests for Hepatitis B and C, and HIV will be done at this visit, with follow-up blood tests to be done over the next three months to make sure none of these viruses have been transmitted.

 

Healthcare staff should follow best practices for safe sharps handling and disposal. Important rules include handling sharps as little as possible, then immediately discarding them in a puncture-resistant, sealed container. Sharps containers themselves are covered by several safe handling standards. Containers should be filled only to the “fill line,” closed between uses, and kept out of reach of the public. Safe Handling:

• Sharps should not be passed from hand to hand.
• Used needles must not be broken or bent before disposal.
• Used sharps must immediately be discarded in a sharps container.

 

Sharps Containers:

• Must be located to avoid spillage.
• Must be kept at a height that allows safe sharps disposal.
• Must be kept away from public access.
• Must not be overfilled.
• Must be disposed of once full.
• Should be closed between uses.
• Must not be used for purposes other than sharps disposal.
• Should be disposed of after 3 months even when not full.

   

Sharps Disposal

Sharps disposal require specific disposal because they pose a serious health threat when placed loosely in the garbage. In addition to poking and pricking anyone who handles waste bags containing loose sharps, used sharps can hold infectious agents such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV). Sharps are defined as anything that can prick, slice, or penetrate the skin, or puncture waste bags and cardboard boxes. They should be disposed of in puncture-proof containers that are clearly labelled. Medical Solution will help you design a sharps waste solution that works for your office. From containers, to pre-scheduled services, you will be given everything you need to create an efficient waste management process. Get a free quote on compliant services today. With each medical waste pick-up, Medical Solution drivers will inspect the sharps containers and packaged waste to ensure that it is acceptable for transport. They will then present the designated facility staff member with a manifest for signature, indicating the waste is ready for pick-up. Upon receipt of the signed manifest, And prior to departure, the facility staff member will be asked to accept custody of the replacement sharps containers. Medical Solution will help you design a waste solution that works for your office. From containers, to pre-scheduled services, you will be given everything you need to create an efficient waste management process. Get a free quote on compliant services today.