What to do after a needlestick injury
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
A needlestick can spread HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Fast action matters, because HIV prevention medicine works best within hours.
Step by step
Wash right away
Wash the wound with soap and water. Do not squeeze or use bleach. [1]
Flush mucous membranes
For splashes, flush eyes, nose or mouth with plenty of water. [1]
Report at once
Tell your supervisor and employee health right away. [1]
Identify the source
Note the source patient so they can be tested with consent, per policy. [1]
Get evaluated quickly
A clinician decides on HIV prevention medicine, ideally within 2 hours, and hepatitis B vaccine or immune globulin. [1]
Follow up
Return for repeat blood tests as scheduled and report any symptoms. [1]
Prevent the next one
Use safety devices and never recap needles. [1]
Common errors
- Waiting until the end of the shift to report.
- Squeezing the wound.
- Missing follow-up tests.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow CDC, Guideline for Isolation Precautions (2007) and PPE sequence. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.