Post-exposure prophylaxis after needlestick injuries would require change in management

Abstract

EDITOR,—The chief medical officer recently suggested a change in the guidance relating to the management of healthcare workers exposed to HIV.1 A move towards post-exposure prophylaxis would require a considerable change in the management of needlestick injuries. We recently analysed the management of needlestick injuries in the Merseyside area by means of a postal questionnaire sent to consultant microbiologists, genitourinary physicians, consultants in accident and emergency medicine, occupational health departments, and infection control nurses. Twenty nine (52%) completed questionnaires were returned. Six respondents stated that …