Needlesticks are a common occurrence in the health care profession. It is estimated that 600,000 to 800 000 needlestick injuries occur per year in the United States. In response to the risk of exposure, institutions have focused on primary prevention as a means of reducing the incidence of needlesticks and thereby decreasing the number of bloodborne pathogen transmissions. Needlestick injuries still occur, however, and it is important that individuals in the health care field become well informed about the exposure risks and educated regarding the appropriate response.

AMA recommends the following testing for employees.

All workers exposed to HIV should undergo HIV antibody testing at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months.

Begin testing for HCV antibodies, HIV RNA levels , and alanine aminotranferase (ALT) levels immediately after the event.

Repeat testing 2-8 weeks later. (repeat testing cost not included)