Authors: Fraser Birse, Helen Mansfield / Editor: Lauren Fraser / Codes: / Published: 22/10/2020
Needlestick injuries occur in healthcare workers and members of the public. Although transmission of blood borne viruses is unlikely, they cause considerable concern. Prompt investigation and management can further reduce the risk of transmission of active infection and recipient anxiety. Healthcare workers incurring a needlestick injury out of hours, and those incurring a needlestick in the community at any time of day will present to the emergency department. This learning session will discuss the process of risk assessment and prescription of post exposure prophylaxis for blood borne viruses. Emergency department clinicians should be familiar with this process and emergency departments should have clear guidelines for the management of both healthcare workers and members of the public.
Learning Objectives:
Carry out a risk assessment for patients presenting after sharps injury or occupational exposure.
Decide which tests it is appropriate to arrange in the emergency department.
Identify patients who should be offered post exposure prophylaxis.Make an appropriate plan for follow up after initial assessment in the ED.
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