Overview
Introduction
A needlestick or other sharps injury is a possible blood exposure, not merely a small skin wound.
A needlestick or other sharps injury is a possible blood exposure, not merely a small skin wound. A contaminated sharp can inoculate blood or other potentially infectious material directly through the skin. Prevention is the first intervention; if an injury occurs, immediate first aid, prompt reporting, and urgent occupational-health or provider evaluation protect the worker and preserve time-sensitive treatment options. The LVN/LPN initiates first aid, reports the event, documents the exposure details, and follows the facility's referral protocol rather than deciding independently that the injury is too minor to matter.