Although a rare occurrence, therapists have possibility of experiencing a needlestick injury. Most PTs/PTAs, OTs/COTAs, or SLPs do not routinely use hypodermic syringes or other “sharps” during course of therapy practice. Nonetheless, this does not mean they will never come in contact with them.
A needlestick injury is the penetration of the skin by a hypodermic needle or other sharp object that has been in contact with blood, tissue, or other body fluids before the exposure. Even though the acute physiological effects of a needlestick injury are generally negligible, these injuries can lead to transmission of blood-borne diseases, placing those exposed at increased risk of infection from disease causing pathogens, such as the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.
While the majority of patients in skilled facilities who require injections or blood glucose monitoring are managed by the nursing staff, those patients living in AL or IL settings may manage self-injections and bedside testing. Be aware of your surroundings, be observant and look for a lancet that may have been left on bedside table, bathroom, or even the kitchen table. This creates an opportunity for you to educate patients on safe disposal of sharps. You may need to instruct on how to engage the safety device on a syringe that does not have automatic retractable needle. It is never advised to recap a used needle. If you find used sharps in a patient’s home, always don gloves prior to removing.
If you experienced a needlestick or sharps injury, immediately follow these steps:
- The site should be immediately washed with soap and water.
- The incident should be reported to direct supervisor and an employee injury report must be completed.
- The exposure should be assessed (type of fluid, type of needle, amount of blood on the needle, etc.).
- The exposure source should be evaluated:
- HIV, HBV, and HCV status of the patient
- Consent and testing of the patient for these diseases if the status is unknown
- Appropriate management of any positive exposure is necessary.
If you are exposed to the blood or other body fluids of a patient during the course of your work:
- Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water and report the exposure incident
- Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants and report the exposure incident
Remain alert in your workplace, it is always advisable to review patient practices in their home regarding sharps disposal and look for opportunities to provide education.
Resources: CDC: Bloodborne Infectious Diseases and American Nursing Association: Needlestick Prevention Guide