Health care personnel are at continual occupational risk to needlestick, sharps, and mucosal exposure to blood and body fluids. Such exposure can result in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and other serious infection to the health care provider. Standard policies and procedures must be established for prevention, treatment, and documentation. A Bloodborne Exposure Protocol must be established in all clinical areas.
A. All health care personnel are at increased risk for Hepatitis B and thus should be vaccinated. Over 90% of persons receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series sero-convert if the inoculation site is the arm.
B. Needles, syringes and sharps must be handled with extreme care to prevent accidental cuts, spills or spraying. Never clip, cut, or bend needles or syringes. Sharps containers must be used for discarding sharps. Never force a needle, needle and syringe apparatus, or other sharps into a full sharps container. Sharps containers should be properly disposed of when three-quarters full.
C. Universal Precautions: Patient history and examination cannot reliably identify all patients infected with bloodborne pathogens. Gloves must be used for all anticipated exposures to blood and body fluids. Additional protective gear (gowns, masks, and eyewear) must be worn whenever there is the likelihood that blood or other potential contaminates may be sprayed or splattered during procedures. Always thoroughly wash hands before and after contact with patients, even if gloves are used. If hands come in contact with blood or body fluids, immediately wash with antimicrobial soap.
D. When an injury occurs, scrub the site immediately with an antimicrobial hand soap such as 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone iodine.
A. A plan of action for treatment and follow-up of bloodborne exposures must be established. For example, in the UCLA Medical Center, personnel that experience accidental puncture or have mucous membrane contact are to report the incident immediately to a designated Infection Control Officer who will contact the Medical Center Exposure Coordinator.
B. The exposed individual, and the source patient if available, is directed by the Exposure Coordinator for appropriate treatment and follow-up. A physician or responsible HCW reviews the medical record and case history of the source patient in order to assess the likelihood of HIV and/or Hepatitis B virus infection. Appropriate treatment and follow-up is provided.
A. Confidentiality - Results of the source individualšs testing shall be made available to the exposed employee, and the employee shall be informed of applicable laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infectious status of the source individual.
B. Appropriate documentation shall be completed to insure reporting requirements.
PERIODONTICS INFORMATION CENTER