1. Health

Emergency Needlestick Information

From , former About.com Guide

Updated February 01, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

If you experienced a needlestick or sharps injury or were exposed to the blood or other body fluid of a patient during the course of your work, immediately follow these steps:
  • Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water

  • Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water

  • Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants

  • Report the incident to your supervisor

  • Immediately seek medical treatment

Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

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