Needlestick injury

Updated: 2023-08-24

Description

Getting stuck by a needle that has someone's blood or other body fluid on it.

Overview

Needlestick injury is a risk for people who work in health care or who work around needles or other sharp objects. Getting stuck can lead to serious infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses or HIV. Some of these infections can be fatal.

Symptoms

A needlestick injury most often results in a puncture or cut.

Treatments

Wash the area right away with soap and water. Quickly get medical help. This is to see if there's a chance of infection and what else needs to be done.