Open every day, 9 AM – 9 PM
245 S Weber Road, Romeoville, IL 630-597-1234 Book appointment
Patient Portal Contact Us
Bloodborne exposure

Needle stick injury care

Prompt evaluation, testing and follow-up after a needle stick or other bloodborne exposure, plus guidance for employers on prevention.

Book appointmentCall 630-597-1234
  • Walk-in friendly
  • Forms completed in-visit
  • Employer accounts available

What to consider before employment

  • Hepatitis B vaccination: offer eligible employees with occupational exposure the hepatitis B vaccine series according to OSHA requirements, and document vaccination or immunity status.
  • Bloodborne pathogens training: educate staff about exposure risks, standard precautions, PPE, safe sharps handling, disposal procedures and the steps to follow after an exposure.
  • Exposure control plan: make sure employees know where the written plan is and whom to contact immediately after an occupational exposure.
  • Baseline health information: maintain appropriate occupational-health documentation, including relevant vaccination and immunity records.
  • Tetanus status: review tetanus/Tdap vaccination history and update when appropriate.
  • Sharps safety: train staff to avoid bending, breaking or unnecessarily recapping contaminated needles, and to dispose of sharps promptly in approved containers.

What to do when a needle stick injury happens

Time matters after a needle stick. Come in right away — we are open every day, 9 AM – 9 PM.

  1. Clean the exposure

    • Wash a puncture or cut thoroughly with soap and water.
    • If blood or body fluid contacts the eyes, nose or mouth, flush thoroughly with water or saline.

  2. Report the injury immediately

    • Notify the supervisor or designated occupational-health contact right away.
    • Document how and when the injury occurred, the device involved, the body site and depth of injury, and whether blood or body fluid was present.

  3. Evaluate the source patient

    • With appropriate consent and according to facility policy and applicable law, arrange prompt evaluation and testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
    • Use the source patient’s history and lab results to help determine the employee’s exposure risk.

  4. Evaluate the exposed employee

    • Review hepatitis B vaccination/immunity, tetanus status, medications, relevant medical history, and pregnancy status when applicable.
    • Obtain recommended baseline laboratory testing for HIV, HBV and HCV when indicated.

  5. Consider post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

    • HIV: if the exposure is significant, begin HIV PEP as soon as possible. Do not unnecessarily delay treatment while waiting for all source-patient results. When prescribed, the usual course is 28 days.
    • Hepatitis B: hepatitis B vaccine and/or hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) may be recommended, depending on employee immunity and source-patient results.
    • Hepatitis C: there is no recommended preventive medication after exposure; appropriate follow-up testing is important.

  6. Arrange follow-up care

    • Complete follow-up laboratory testing on the schedule recommended for the specific exposure.
    • If taking HIV PEP, follow medication instructions and report side effects or concerns promptly.
    • Provide counseling on exposure risk, precautions and work-related follow-up instructions.

  7. Document & review the incident

    • Complete the occupational exposure/incident documentation and required sharps-injury records.
    • Keep employee medical information confidential.
    • Review why the incident occurred and whether equipment, workflow, training, PPE or disposal practices should be improved.

The steps at a glance

  1. 1Wash
  2. 2Report
  3. 3Evaluate
  4. 4Treat
  5. 5Follow up
  6. 6Document

PEPline (National Clinician Consultation Center): 888-448-4911

In the event of a needle stick injury, call us at 630-597-1234 or refer the injured employee to us for prompt evaluation and treatment.

Staff education guide. Use with your facility’s Exposure Control Plan and current OSHA, CDC and applicable state requirements.

Employer? Set up an account

Tell us about your company and testing needs and our occupational health team will help you get started. We reply within one business day. Fields marked * are required.

Please don't include medical details or symptoms here. For clinical questions, call us or walk in.

Had a needle stick? Come in now.

Walk in or book online • 245 S Weber Road, Romeoville • 9 AM – 9 PM every day

Book appointment Call 630-597-1234