1. a puncture wound or injury caused by a needle, especially one that poses a risk of infection or disease transmission in medical or laboratory settings
Usage: medical/occupational health context; often used in healthcare worker safety discussions
2. an incident in which a healthcare worker or other person is accidentally pricked or cut by a needle, particularly one that has been in contact with blood or body fluids
Usage: occupational safety term

Examples

• The nurse reported a needlestick injury after accidentally pricking her finger during a blood draw.
• Proper disposal of needles is essential to prevent needlestick accidents in hospitals.
• Healthcare workers receive training on how to respond immediately after a needlestick exposure.
• The clinic implemented new safety protocols to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.
• A needlestick from a contaminated needle can transmit serious bloodborne pathogens.
• The occupational health department tracks all needlestick incidents in the facility.