Needlestick-from IV tubing

[1sweetnurse]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum found it after doing some research on needlesticks. Recently i was giving pain meds through the 2nd port on the iv tubing from the patient. as i was taking the needle from the port i pricked my index finger. There was no visible blood in the fluid, but my question is could i be infected with HIV if blood was backed up in the tubing the previous day and no one changed the tubing, but no blood was visible. It was charted that the tubing was changed the previous day, and it looked like new tubing. also the patient said it had been changed. I am wondering is it possible to contract HIV through this type of needlestick, being the needle didnt actually have blood, or visible blood on it. The patient turned out to be positive after i reported it, and i have been worried sick, i am taking the meds, but still i am very upset. Please give me some advice., or opinions.

Thanks

[mbess02]

It would be highly unlikely that you would get HIV from this type of needlestick. Only 3% of exposures to HIV-positive "dirty" needles result in infection, and the chances are increased with hollow-bore needles that have been directly in the patient's vein. Your exposure certainly qualifies as a risk, but it is a low risk and since you are taking the prophylaxis, I don't think you should worry about it (easier said than done, I know!) You did everything right with regards to reporting the exposure and getting on the meds. Try to relax and get tested within the next three months- the new OraQuick tests are reliable within 3 months for >90% of the population.

[salexander]

Hi, I'm brand new to allnurses too. This seems like a neat place.

With regards to your needle stick, certainly anythings possible.

If it were me, I think i'd weigh out the situation before I worry myself. New tubing-good. Injection port how far from hub? No visible blood in tubing-good. IV sol. infusion rate ?

Patient positive-bad. Stats indiciate low risk-good. I think ( and hope) your odds are good. It's probably a good idea though to go ahead & follow protocol with regards to meds. Keep us posted.:)

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

Sorry about your needlestick, I think it's low risk, too, and you are doing the right things.

My concern is for your equipment. If you don't already have needless equipment, maybe it's time to find out why! I know needlesticks have been drastically reduces at our hospital, since we changed.

[RNKPCE]

I too am sorry for the stress this has brought to you.

To prevent this from happening to you again or someone else you should check into your state's policy regarding needle-less systems. Out in California the facilities have to use all needle less unless a product doesn't come that way. All our tubings have luer lock type ports that can be accessed witha a plastic blunt tipped device.

Staff will be counseled if they are using needles when not necessary. I heard JACHO doesn't even want you bring needles in the patient room if not necessary. For instance if you draw up a med with a filter needle, the needle should be left in the med room in the sharps container and cap or other non sharp device put on the end.

[dknunges]

I to am sorry for your stress in this situation that could and should have been prevented. I would begin by checking with your hospital Infection Control/needlestick committee (whatever the position is called that tracks sharps injuries). It has been a federal law since April 17, 2001 and took effect July 18, 2001 that all health care facilities implement safety devices. This includes any device that can cause injury, needle, IV catheter, scalpel's suture needles etc. The law also mandates that "front end" user be allowed to trial such devices and hospital should choose to implement whichever the clinicians choose. This must all be documented in the facility Exposure Control Plan and reviewed yearly...

Donna