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Needlestick injuries

1-minute read

If skin is punctured by a sharp medical tool like a scalpel or needle on a syringe, it is called a ‘needlestick injury’.

Needlesticks don’t just happen in hospitals — stepping on a needle in park is the same thing. Infection by HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C in these situations is rare. Seek medical attention immediately.

Follow the links below to find our information partners' articles about needlestick injuries.

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Last reviewed: May 2021


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Needlestick injury - Better Health Channel

A needlestick injury means the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. Diseases that could be transmitted by a needle or needlestick injury include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Farmer Needlestick Injuries – Risk & Recommended Treatment | National Centre for Farmer Health

Had an injury? Every year, across Australia, farmers and agricultural workers experience preventable needlestick injuries with 80% of livestock farmers reporting a needlestick injury at some time. These injuries—while unintentional—have…

Read more on National Centre for Farmer Health website

Hepatitis C and PCR testing - MyDr.com.au

PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction tests) help detect the presence of hepatitis C virus in the body and a person's potential to transmit HCV to others.

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Human T lymphotropic virus: HTLV-I | NT.GOV.AU

Transmission, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and diseases caused by HTLV-1.

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Dengue virus is spread by two types of mosquitoes that prefer to live indoors. Travellers are at risk if they visit an area that has the dengue mosquito. ​fact sheet

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