A 28-year-old junior doctor sustains a hollow-bore needlestick injury from a patient with unknown blood-borne virus status in ED. The injury occurred ...

Question

A 28-year-old junior doctor sustains a hollow-bore needlestick injury from a patient with unknown blood-borne virus status in ED. The injury occurred 30 minutes ago. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Wash the area, assess exposure risk, arrange baseline serology and follow institutional protocol for HBV, HCV and HIV including consideration of PEP

Answer

No action required; risk is negligible

Answer

Start long-term antivirals for all blood-borne viruses immediately

Answer

Delay testing and management for 6 weeks

Answer

Only document the injury without any testing or prophylaxis

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Needlestick injury management

A 28-year-old junior doctor sustains a hollow-bore needlestick injury from a patient with unknown blood-borne virus status in ED. The injury occurred 30 minutes ago. What is the most appropriate initial management?