Needle Sticks
What are the best practices for needle sticks for healthcare employers? Are employees required to have blood drawn if the patient's blood is sent for testing? At what point does the employee need to sign a waiver refusing treatment? Would that be after the results of the patients blood have been received?
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Hi Fatima,
You definitely want the employee to have their blood tested, post-exposure prophylaxis made be needed. Best bet would be to counsel the employee on the dangers of exposure and the benefits or early treatment. Typically there are a couple follow up blood draws to insure negative results. Your worker's comp carrier should be able to provide some direction, as well. Here is a link to the OSHA guidance. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/bbp/bbp.html#PostExposureFollow-up
Good Luck!
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Jennifer Bucienski This is very helpful. Thanks!
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