How to deal with an exposure incidentThis section of the guidance is aimed at helping those involved in the initial management of the incident, to determine whether onward referral to such professional advice is necessary. The term 'source' means the person/item from which the blood or body fluid originated, whilst the term 'recipient' means the person exposed to potentially BBV infected blood or body fluids. Show
EmployeesWhat should I do?
EmployersEmployers are legally required to undertake emergency planning as part of their employer responsibilities overview.
Sources of authoritative guidanceAuthoritative information sources related to BBV post exposure intervention and treatment:
It is not necessary to keep any needle/sharp instrument to send to the laboratory for testing for the presence of blood-borne viruses. Any such sharp instruments should not be re-sheathed, but disposed of directly into an appropriate container. Incident evaluationAn urgent risk assessment is required to establish if the exposure has the potential to transmit a blood-borne virus – ie, whether or not the exposure is significant. A number of factors will be taken into account in the risk assessment, including:
All of the above will contribute to decisions on whether HIV and/or HBV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), or follow-up for evidence of HCV transmission, is required. Risk of transmission of blood borne viruses from patient to health care worker
**There is a wide variability in infectiousness of hepatitis B carriers. The risk stated is that of transmission following needlestick exposure in unvaccinated individuals. How should you clean an area that has been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen?Cover spills with absorbent material (e.g., paper towels), then pour disinfectant on to saturate the area, and allow bleach to soak into spills for at least 30 minutes before cleaning to allow it to kill any virus or other infectious agents that may be present.
How do you decontaminate an area exposed to a person's bodily fluids?A commonly used disinfectant is household bleach solution, one part bleach to nine parts water, prepared daily. For decontamination of aluminum or electronic equipment, use 70% isopropyl alcohol solution applied for 10 minutes.
What should you do if you have been exposed to bodily fluids?What should I do if I am exposed?. Wash your hands immediately after any exposure to blood or body fluids, even if you wear gloves.. If you get splashed in the eyes, nose, or mouth, flush with water.. If you are pricked by a needle (needle stick), contact your doctor right away for further advice.. What should you do if you experience an exposure to a potentially infectious material?Wash exposed skin immediately with soap and water. Wash thoroughly after removing PPE. Flush exposed eyes, nose or mouth quickly and thoroughly with water. Cover any open wounds or cuts.
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