Cut and puncture accident

A cut and puncture accident is an incident where someone comes into contact with blood or other bodily fluids through a sharp object, such as a needle or knife, that penetrates the skin. This can pose a risk for the transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl is available 7 days a week for expert assistance with cut and puncture accidents. We assess the risk, ensure that appropriate measures are determined and implemented, and provide follow-up care.

What is a cut and puncture accident?

In a cut and puncture accident, blood (or another bodily fluid) from one person enters the body of another through a sharp object, such as a syringe needle or scalpel. In a splatter accident, blood comes into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. In a bite accident, blood enters oral mucosa or saliva into an open wound. We categorize needle, bite, cutting, and splatter accidents under the term “cut and puncture accidents.”

The consequences of a cut and puncture accident

Infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can be transmitted through a cut and puncture accident. The ease with which this transmission occurs varies for each viral disease and depends on many factors. To assess the risk of infection, the nurse at vaccinatiecentrum.nl evaluates the situation of both the affected individual and the source (also referred to as the source patient). Based on the risk assessment, we monitor the affected individual and the source with blood tests to check for possible infectious diseases in the weeks and months following the cut and puncture accident.

Hepatitis B is the most easily transmitted of the three viruses. If you come into contact with blood infected with hepatitis B, the chance of infection is 25%. If there is a real risk of infection and the affected person is not vaccinated, the risk can be significantly reduced by starting a vaccination or treatment with human immunoglobulin (anti-HBV) immediately after the accident.

The chance of becoming infected with the hepatitis C virus from a cut and puncture accident with a hepatitis C-infected person is small, about 2%. If there is a real risk of infection, we will take a blood sample to see if the disease is developing. If it is, we will refer you to a doctor for treatment.

The chance of becoming infected with the HIV virus from a cut and puncture accident with an HIV-infected person is 0.3%. Through blood tests, we can, if necessary, test the source for HIV. If there is a risk of HIV transmission, we recommend starting to take AIDS-reducing medication within 2-72 hours after the accident to block the transmission of the virus. This is known as the PEP protocol (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). These AIDS-reducing medications must be taken according to a fixed schedule for a month; you will receive detailed instructions from us.

What to do in the event of a cut and puncture accident?

1. Immediate Action

  • Wound Care for needle, bite, and cutting accidents: Let the wound bleed freely. Wash the wound with water or saline. Disinfect the wound with 70% alcohol or 0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol.
    Keep the sharp object until you have contacted an expert at vaccinatiecentrum.nl.
  • Wound Care for splatter accidents:
    Rinse skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth) immediately and thoroughly with saline or possibly water.

2. Report the Accident

  • To vaccinatiecentrum.nl
    You can call us Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 23:00. We will help you with all follow-up steps.
  • To your supervisor.

3. Treatment

  • If treatment is necessary, we will arrange the treatment with a doctor or your own general practitioner, as well as laboratory tests or vaccinations. We provide follow-up care for the affected employee.

4. Registration and Analysis

  • We register the accident and advise on preventing cut and puncture accidents.

How does vaccinatiecentrum.nl help after a cut and puncture accident?

  • After a cut and puncture accident, the nurses at vaccinatiecentrum.nl provide advice on policies and risks in consultation with doctors. We also monitor follow-up actions.
  • Comprehensive treatment of the cut and puncture accident from A to Z;
  • Expert assistance with cut and puncture accidents by BIG registered nurses;
  • Risk assessment after reporting a cut and puncture accident;
  • Laboratory tests and vaccinations if necessary;
  • Follow-up care for the affected employee;
  • Clear guidelines and protocols;
  • Information provision;
  • Good telephone accessibility.

In case of a cut and puncture accident, we are available from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 23:00.
For more information about our support in cut and puncture accidents: send an email to info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl.