NEEDLE INJURY HEPATITIS B CONCERN

Sharps injuries or blood/mucous membrane exposure poses a risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV.

The exposure site should be washed immediately with soap and water, and mucous membranes should be flushed with water.

The risk of developing hepatitis from a percutaneous exposure can be as high as 1 in 3.

Vaccine responders do not require treatment.

Nonresponders with only 1 vaccination series should get one dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and re-vaccination.

Nonresponders who have had 2 vaccination series should get 2 does of HBIG given 1 month apart.

For unvaccinated workers, the vaccine series should be inititated.  HBIG is also indicated if the source is hepatitis B positive.