Needlestick Injuries

First Aid +
THINGS TO AVOID
Do not scrub or suck the wound after a needlestick injury.
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Disclaimer: This page provides a summary of first aid actions for educational purposes only. It is not a comprehensive guide and does not replace professional medical advice. 
Always consult a healthcare provider for concerns, and contact emergency services in urgent situations. 

Go To

  1. Overview

  2. Immediate First Aid Steps
  3. When to Seek Medical Help

Overview

A needlestick injury occurs when a used needle or other sharp object accidentally pierces the skin. 

This increases the risk of infection from blood-borne viruses (BBV), which are carried in infected blood or bodily fluids. Examples of these viruses include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

These injuries are common in healthcare settings but can happen in any environment where sharps are used. 

Immediate First Aid Steps

If you pierce your skin with a used needle:

  1. gently squeeze the wound to encourage it to bleed (ideally while holding it under running water)
  2. wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap
  3. do not scrub or suck the wound
  4. dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing

When To Seek Medical Help

Get medical help (e.g. Emergency Department) immediately if:

  • you have a needlestick injury

You may need treatment to reduce the risk of getting an infection.

Go To Conte​​​​nts​​

Our content undergoes a thorough process of research, writing, peer review, and rigorous checks and approvals. It is designed for educational purposes and is freely accessible for individual patients to read and share. For detailed information regarding usage, copyright, and disclaimers, please visit our Terms & Conditions page.

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Checked & Approved
Clinical Review Team
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Written & Translated
Medical Publishing Team
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Last Updated
09 January 2025

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