Needlestick injuries are injuries caused by needles, and are a major concern in healthcare because of the risk of infection with blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Although the risk of a healthcare worker being infected with HIV from a patient is low, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Groups most at risk of needlestick injuries are nurses, laboratory technicians, phlebotomists (people who take blood samples from patients), operating theatre staff, hospital porters and cleaners.
If you have suffered a needlestick injury, contact your occupational health department or go to the accident and emergency department immediately. They may think it necessary for you to take anti-AIDS drugs, and the sooner you start taking these, the more effective they are.
In 2010, a new EU Directive came into force to help protect nurses, midwives and health care assistants from needlestick injuries and infection. The directive includes guidance for training, support and prevention of needlestick injuries. It should make the use of safe needles routine across the EU.
