A non-facility employee experiences a needlestick injury at a healthcare facility. Whom should the infection preventionist contact?

• A. The designated infection prevention and control (IPC) officer for the agency involved
• B. Hospital administrator
• C. Local health department
• D. Patient's physician

Answer: (A)

Exposure events involving a non-facility employee are managed by the agency’s designated infection prevention and control officer, who coordinates the post‑exposure response. The IPC officer is the point of contact to initiate exposure assessment, arrange post‑exposure evaluation and possible prophylaxis, ensure proper documentation, and communicate with occupational health and public health authorities as needed. This role is specifically tasked with handling cross‑organization infection control incidents and ensuring the appropriate reporting and follow‑up. While others may become involved later (administrators, local health departments, or the patient’s physician), the IPC officer is the correct first contact to start the process and ensure proper management.