Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you experience 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:

Step 1

Immediately wash the needlestick or cut with soap and running water, flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water, and irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants.

Step 2

Report the incident to your supervisor and/or occupational health services, to help you get the right care and help prevent future injuries. 

Step 3

Consult your doctor immediately. If they determine you are at risk for infection, you may need treatment such as vaccination, antiretroviral drugs, or enzyme inhibitors. They also may recommend psychological support such as counseling to help you cope with anxiety or stress from the incident.

HIV PEP Administration

When indicated, HIV PEP administration is recommended as soon as possible. PEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high-risk event to stop HIV seroconversion. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective—and always within 72 hours of a possible exposure.

If you have questions about appropriate medical treatment for occupational exposures, assistance is available from the Clinicians’ Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Line at 1-888-448-4911.