Needle Stick Injury (NSI), Risk of Blood-Borne Pathogen Transmission, Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Needle Stick Injury, Memory Aid – “W-H-A-R-M” for Needle Stick Protocol
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🩸 NEEDLE STICK INJURY (NSI) 📌 Definition A Needle Stick Injury (NSI) refers to: "An accidental skin puncture wound caused by a needle or sharp object that may have been used on a patient or has come in contact with bodily fluids." These injuries are a major occupational hazard in healthcare settings and pose serious risks of blood-borne infections . 🔍 Mechanism of Injury Needle stick injuries occur when: A needle pierces the skin . The sharp is contaminated with blood or body fluids . There’s a break in standard procedure or safety protocol . Examples include: During venipuncture Administering injections Recapping a used needle Improper disposal of a used sharp 🦠 Risk of Blood-Borne Pathogen Transmission Pathogen Risk of Transmission After NSI Hepatitis B (HBV) 6–30% (if unvaccinated) Hepatitis C (HCV) ...