Counseling -- Needle stick injury.
Hello Mrs. Smith I am Dr. Munagapati, senior house officer in this A & E department.
I can see you have brought your little boy Thomas. I understand he pricked himself with a needle. I need to ask you a few questions.
Do you know whom the needle belongs to? Where has he found it?
How long ago did the injury happen? Have you cleaned the wound?
When did he last have his tetanus immunization?
(if mother knows the owner, ask whether that person is HepB+ve. If HepB+ve, the child needs HIBG along with vaccine).
There are a few things we need to do. We will dispose of the needle for you. Thomas needs a blood test to check his hepatitis status. We will then give him the first dose of the vaccine. He will need two further boosters at 1st month and 2nd month, which he should get from your GP. He will also need another blood test after the vaccination. Regarding the risk of AIDS, I can reassure you that the risk is very small.
I hope I have cleared all your doubts. I will write to your GP about what needs to be done. It is important that Thomas receives the full course of the immunization.
I will give you an information leaflet as well. If you have any doubts later please don't hesitate to contact us.
Thank you Mrs. Smith.