Incident Reports?

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So, I work in an ASC and we recently did a spine case where we had a outside contracted Neuromonitoring tech come into our facility. At the end of the case, the tech accidentally got stuck by a dirty needle (through the gloved hand) while pulling one of the needles out. I am just curious how most places would handle this type of situation. I kind of don't feel like the facility I work at is handling it appropriately so I would really appreciate any feedback so I know if these feelings are warranted or not.

Side note, we currently do NOT have a policy and procedures book for me to refer to, otherwise I would.

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I'm just guessing. But I don't know why a visitor or tech who gets a needle stick would be treated differently from an employee. Get their blood drawn and tested, get the patients blood drawn and tested.

I had the unfortunate experience years ago of being involved when a visitor got a needle stick. They were seen, treated, and followed up the same as an employee. I have no idea about the insurance/financial ramifications of their treatment.

I assume the costs is way less than a lawsuit later on if the person acquires a blood borne pathogen.

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That was exactly my thought process, but my management team basically said "well that's not our employee so it will be up to her company to determine the appropriate action." It really just rubbed me the wrong way, and when I called to ask about the proper protocol (since I've never dealt with this before), I was asked how this happened exactly, and the told they would ha e to call me back. Now, after all that, they said I needed to fill out an incident report so they have a record of it. I suggested maybe it should be the tech who fills out the report since that was who it actually happened to and I didn't witness anything, but no, they said it was my responsibility.

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.

Someone should fill out the report, but I agree it should be the tech. And furthermore, the tech should have been immediately (ASAP) in the ER or employee health if you have that department, and had blood drawn right then and possibly prophylactic medication started. After so many days or weeks, you've missed the golden window for treatment to be effective.

At least that is what I've learned after multiply exposures over many years.

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