Final answer:
To disinfect a needlestick injury, first wash with soap and warm water, then use 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach, and consider post-exposure treatments like HBIG and vaccination for potential HBV infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with a needlestick injury, it is important to take immediate action to disinfect the area and reduce the risk of infection.
The first step should be to wash the injury with soap and warm water without scrubbing. After initial cleaning, the skin should be washed with a strong antiseptic. According to safety guidelines, an effective disinfectant solution could be 1 N NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or a 1:10 dilution of household bleach for at least 1 minute. Using antiseptics such as isopropanol can also be effective for swabbing the area thoroughly.
Post-exposure precautions may include hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination if there is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) from an infected patient. Health-care workers must adhere to safety protocols and use personal protective equipment like gloves and face protection to prevent such injuries.