What should you do if you accidentally stick yourself with a needle?

If you accidentally stick yourself with a needle, the appropriate immediate action is to follow the facility’s exposure protocol. This is critical because needle-stick injuries can expose you to potentially infectious materials, increasing the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Following the facility's exposure protocol ensures that you receive the necessary medical attention and follow-up procedures, which typically include cleaning the wound properly, documenting the incident, and possibly undergoing testing for infectious diseases. This protocol is designed to protect both your health and the health of others, as well as to comply with regulatory and safety guidelines.

Ignoring the injury or minimizing its significance can lead to serious health risks. Likewise, simply bandaging the wound and continuing with your work without addressing the potential exposure could leave you unprotected and could further expose other patients or staff if the injury results in an infection. Reporting the incident at the end of the shift also fails to prioritize immediate care and necessary follow-up, which is crucial in such situations.