You need to complete the needlestick or sharps risk assessment form in the event of a needlestick, sharp or splash incident.
Needlestick injury risk assessment – incident detail/source patient detailsImmediate actions following a needlestick, sharp or splash incident
Immediate action
Needlestick or sharp injury
Wash area with soap and warm water immediately to encourage bleeding then cover with waterproof dressing.
Splash
Exposed mucous membranes (i.e. mouth/nose) including conjunctivae (eyes), should be irrigated copiously with water, before and after removing any contact lenses.
Notify the occupational health service immediately
You should inform a senior clinician, supervisor or manager in charge of clinical area of a needlestick, sharp or splash incident.
Email the complete InPhase to: Nuth.newcastle.ohs@nhs.net
Senior clinician – immediate action
If you know the patient details
Consent source patient for blood tests and record in the notes for:
- HIV antibody
- Hepatitis B surface antigen
- Hepatitis C antibody record
Take blood from patient in a gold topped tube. Send this to the Freeman Hospital serology urgently, marked needlestick injury source. Indicate on form that consent was obtained.
Contact
Phone freeman hospital serology department to advise of lab request or on-call biomedical scientist via switchboard out of hours.
If the patient details are unknown
This may be an injury sustained by stabbing finger from a sharp in a sharps bin. We will treat the injury as an unknown source and follow-up appointments will be arranged.
Make sure to complete InPhase and email nuth.newcastle.ohs@nhs.net
Immediate actions – Needlestick, sharp or splash incidentFor more detailed information, please see the policy for the prevention and management of needlestick injuries.
