Standard precautions and safe practices for service providers/caregivers: l Wash hands with disinfectant, soap immediately, if they are contaminated with body fluids. l Wear gloves, if contamination of hands with body fluids is anticipated.
NEEDLE STICK INJURY A needle stick injury is a wound caused by piercing typically set by a needle point, but possibly also by other sharp instruments or objects. Commonly encountered by people handling needles in the medical setting. These injuries occur during
l Remove gloves and wash hands after patient contact. l All healthcare workers should take precautions to prevent injuries during procedures and when cleaning or disposing needles and other sharp instruments. l Needles should not be purposely bent or broken by hand or recapped. l Needles should not be removed from disposable syringes or manipulated by hand. l All disposable syringes, needles, scalpel blades and other sharp items should be placed in a puncture resistant container. l Healthcare workers, with open lesions or dermatitis, should refrain from direct handling of patients and equipment.
l Needle recapping and as a result of failure to place used needles in approved containers. l Surgery, a surgical needle may inadvertently penetrate the glove and skin of the surgeon and assistant. These events are of concern because of the risk to transmit blood-borne diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C. The risk of HIV transmission through needle stick injuries is 1 in 300. Exposure of eye, nose or mouth is 1 in 1000 and risk with damaged skin is 1 in 1000. A small amount of blood falling on intact skin provides no risk.
l Needle stick injuries should be immediately reported to the control officer. l Clean and disinfect blood/body substance spills with appropriate agents. l Adhere to disinfection and sterilization standards.
The risk of HIV transmission in a single injury depends on a number of factors: l The quantity of blood in the exposure,
l Vaccinate all clinical and laboratory workers against Hepatitis B.
l The viral load of the patient
l Also suggested are use of heavy duty gloving for cleaning instruments, handling soiled linen, or dealing with spills, altering surgical techniques to avoid 'exposure prone' procedures, use of needle-less systems and other safe devices.
l Whether PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) has been taken by the caregiver.
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Positive Caregiving for Children Living with HIV
Module 1 – Basics of HIV and AIDS
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