Needlestick Safety

Christine Curtis, RN

Pediatric Infectious Diseases

What are sharps or needles used for?

• People use sharps to treat all sorts of medical conditions in the home. Sharps users may use lancets and/or needles and syringes to deliver medicine for conditions such as:

What are sharps or needles used for?

– Allergies– Cancer– Hepatitis– Infertility– Multiple sclerosis

– Arthritis– Diabetes– Migraines– Osteoporosis– Immune deficiency

Nonmedical: Injectable drug use

Dangers of Needlestick Exposures

• 2013 referrals to Cook Children’s Infectious Disease:– Ages: 5 to 9 years of age– Primary referral source after needlestick: ED department.– Unknown number of needlesticks that are not referred to the ID

Clinic for PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis).

• People exposed to sharps may be at risk of contracting a life-altering disease such as HIV or Hepatitis B or C.

• All needlestick injuries are treated as if the needle were infected with a disease.

A Needle is Found, Now What Do I Do?

• If a biohazard waste container is available, dispose of the needle in a biohazard waste container. This should not go in the trash. It should be taken to a collection site such as a hospital, clinic or pharmacy.

• If there is no biohazard container available:– Within the City of Fort Worth: Environmental Management

should be called to pick up the needles. They respond during business hours Monday thru Friday at 817-392-2255. If it is after hours or you are unable to reach the appropriate person, please call 817-335-4222(Fort worth non emergency number)

A Needle is Found, Now What Do I Do?

– Continued:• Second option: If a laundry detergent container made with thick

plastic and a screw top lid is available, place the needle in the laundry detergent container. Any container such as a bleach bottle or a laundry detergent bottle is acceptable. You want the plastic to be thick enough on a container to prevent the needle from going through it. Utilize gloves if available.

• Dispose of sealed detergent bottle in the trash.

– Good hand washing after any exposure to the needle or syringe after disposal is required.

What do I do if a child or person has been stuck with a needle?

• Wash the wound with soap and water.• Take the person to a local ED.• Helpful information to give the ED includes:

– Where the needle was found?– Was the needle removed from the location?– Do you know who used the needle and for what purpose?

• Date/time of exposure• Immunization record

What Happens After the Needle Puncture if they Seek Medical Treatment?

• The risk of HIV acquisition is assessed based on the type of exposure.

• The time of the stick is relevant in determining if HIV PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is an option.

• When a non occupational exposure to HIV occurs, every effort should be made to start PEP within 2 hours.

• Decisions regarding initiation of PEP beyond 36 hours is on a case by case basis by a medical specialist.

What Happens After the Needle Puncture if they Seek Medical Treatment?

• Families are counseled on medication side effects and risks versus benefit to the child before starting HIV PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis).

• Cost of HIV PEP without insurance can run from $1,300-$3,100 for a 28-day supply.

• The patient requires lab work for testing for HIV, Hep C, and Hep B at the time of ED visit, and then at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after exposure.

Needlestick Safety for Children

Christine Curtis, RN

Louis White, Security Ambassador

STOP

Needlestick Safety

When you see a needle

always STOP

Needlestick Safety

DO NOT TOUCH

Needlestick Safety

LEAVE

THE

AREA

Needlestick Safety

TELL AN ADULT

Seguridad contra pinchazos de agujas

Christine Curtis, Enfermera

Louis White, Envasador de Seguridad

ALTO

Seguridad contra pinchazos de agujas

Cuando veas una aguja / jeringa

siempre

DETENTE

Seguridad contra pinchazos de agujas

NO LA TOQUES

Seguridad contra pinchazos de agujas

DEJA

EL

AREA

Seguridad contra pinchazos de agujas

DILE A UN ADULTO