Fast Medical Response and Evaluation After Needle Stick Exposure in India

An employee for a global engineering company was traveling in India when she came into contact with a used needle while sitting in the back of a taxi. The employee felt a prick from the needle, which was lodged in the fabric of the rear seat and immediately became concerned about potential health threats. She called Crisis24’s global operations center line and raised her concerns with the medical team. Due to the potential risks, Crisis24 acted quickly to evaluate and prevent possible complications. 

Rapid Medical Coordination

The situation posed significant health risks due to the potential for infection from the needle stick. Common blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV needed to be ruled out. Using our global medical network to rule out infection, Crisis24 identified a suitable healthcare facility and arranged an urgent appointment for evaluation, during which blood tests were performed to screen for a comprehensive range of bloodborne pathogens.

Timely Results and Preventative Care

If results are positive, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must take place within 72 hours of exposure to be effective. The results were received the same day and, fortunately, were found to be negative for bloodborne pathogens. Her tetanus status was unknown, so she was given a precautionary tetanus vaccination, as per protocol. Crisis24’s medical team worked quickly to ensure the employee received timely care and provided clear guidance for next steps, including follow-up with an infectious diseases specialist upon returning to her home country.

Although the actual risk of infection from such an injury is very low, the perception of risk often results in considerable anxiety. It is a common misconception that if blood tests performed at the time of injury are negative, there is no need for further testing. Understanding the stress associated with the incident, Crisis24’s medical team discussed support options with the employee and arranged for counseling to be in place upon her return home.