Accidental hcv patient needle prick injury next what to do
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"Hepatitis C"[MeSH Terms] AND "Needlestick Injuries"[MeSH Terms]
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CDC guidance health care personnel exposure hepatitis C virus needlestick testing follow up 2024
If you had a needle-stick from a patient with hepatitis C:
- Immediately wash the puncture with soap and running water. Do not squeeze the wound, scrub aggressively, or use bleach/caustic chemicals. If blood splashed into eyes or mouth, rinse well with water.
- Report it immediately to your supervisor, occupational-health service, or emergency department. Do not wait until tomorrow.
- HCV post-exposure prophylaxis is not recommended. There is no vaccine or proven preventive antiviral treatment after a hepatitis C exposure. CDC HCV exposure guidance
- Test the source patient promptly, preferably within 48 hours, with HCV RNA testing if possible.
- Get your own baseline tests promptly, preferably within 48 hours: anti-HCV with reflex HCV-RNA if positive. If the source is HCV-RNA positive, unknown, or cannot be tested, follow-up is:
- HCV RNA at 3-6 weeks
- If negative, anti-HCV with reflex RNA at 4-6 months. CDC testing schedule
- The exposure must also be assessed for HIV and hepatitis B. HIV PEP can be time-sensitive and is most effective when started immediately, generally no later than 72 hours after a significant exposure. Your hepatitis B vaccination and antibody status may change what is needed.
The average occupational transmission risk from an HCV-positive needle-stick is low, historically around 1.8%, but testing and follow-up are still important. Early HCV infection is now highly curable if detected.
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