Question

A 33-year-old man working as a junior doctor sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a known HIV-positive patient with high viral load. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound, report the incident and start HIV post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible.

Answer

Observe the wound only and test for HIV in 3 months.

Answer

Give a single dose of Hepatitis B vaccine only.

Answer

Reassure that the risk is negligible and no action is required.

Answer

Delay any treatment until the patient’s most recent viral load is confirmed.

Practice question

A 33-year-old man working as a junior doctor sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a known HIV-positive patient with high viral load. What is the most appropriate immediate action?