A junior doctor sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a patient known to be hepatitis B surface ...

Question

A junior doctor sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a patient known to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive. The doctor completed hepatitis B vaccination but her antibody status is unknown. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Check antibody status urgently and consider hepatitis B immunoglobulin if non-immune

Answer

No action is needed if vaccinated

Answer

Give a single dose of oral Acyclovir

Answer

Offer hepatitis C vaccine immediately

Answer

Discharge and review if symptoms develop

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Hepatitis B needlestick exposure

A junior doctor sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a patient known to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive. The doctor completed hepatitis B vaccination but her antibody status is unknown. What is the most appropriate management?