Needle-stick injury and hepatitis C: what should you know?

Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood. A puncture from a used needle can create an exposure route, but the actual risk depends on the source, the type of device, the depth of the injury and whether blood was present. You cannot determine infection from the wound appearance.

Many people have no early symptoms. Later illness can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort or yellowing of the skin and eyes, but symptoms are not a reliable way to rule infection in or out. A clinician may arrange blood tests and follow-up; a Liver Function Test can assess liver health but does not alone confirm hepatitis C.

Let the wound bleed gently if it is bleeding, wash it thoroughly with soap and running water, and do not scrub aggressively or use bleach. If blood reached the eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with clean water. Do not squeeze or suck the wound.

Report the exposure through your workplace process or attend urgent care promptly. Record when it happened and, if known, the source person's details without sharing them widely. A GP Consultation can help coordinate testing, specialist advice and follow-up. Do not donate blood until a clinician confirms it is appropriate.

Seek same-day medical advice after any puncture involving a used or unknown needle, especially if the injury is deep, the source may have blood-borne infection, or blood contacted broken skin or mucous membranes. Do not wait for symptoms.

Go to emergency care for uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, loss of movement or sensation, or signs of a serious wound infection such as spreading redness, swelling, pus or fever. Keep scheduled blood tests even if you feel well.

Ask what baseline and follow-up tests are needed, whether the source can be tested safely, how the wound should be monitored, and when results will be reviewed. Mention previous hepatitis testing, liver disease, medicines, pregnancy possibility and any other recent blood exposure.