title: Best practice for needlestick injuries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a significant health hazard. Occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens among healthcare workers (HCWs) is rare but has been repeatedly reported in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  In October 2010, new regulations were introduced for medical aftercare of HCWs following NSIs at the University Hospital Frankfurt. In June 2013, a university hospital-wide early intervention program was introduced that gives HCWs immediate 24/7/365 access to an HIV postexposure prophylaxis kit after confirmed or probable occupational HIV exposure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interdisciplinary collaboration between the attending surgeon and occupational health as well as infectious disease specialists facilitates optimal postexposure medical treatment of HCWs who suffer NSIs. Complete reporting of NSIs is a prerequisite for achieving optimal treatment of the affected HCWs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An NSI is an emergency and needs to be evaluated immediately and, if necessary, treated as soon as possible. A standardized algorithm for initial diagnostic and treatment has proven to be helpful.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Health Service, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Sabine.Wicker@kgu.de.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wicker
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Walcher
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wutzler
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine II, Infectiology, HIV Therapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stephan
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marzi
keywords: HIV; Hepatitis; Needlestick injury; Occupational infection; Postexposure prophylaxis
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