Blood and body fluid exposure protocol
Topic OverviewWhat are blood and body fluid precautions?Blood and body fluid precautions are recommendations designed to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other diseases while giving first aid or other health care that includes contact with body fluids or blood. These precautions treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious for diseases that are transmitted in the blood. The organisms spreading these diseases are called blood-borne pathogens. Show
Blood and body fluid precautions apply to blood and other body fluids that contain visible traces of blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. They also apply to tissues and other body fluids, such as from around the brain or spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid), around a joint space (synovial fluid), in the lungs (pleural fluid), in the lining of the belly and pelvis (peritoneal fluid), around the heart (pericardial fluid), and amniotic fluid that surrounds a fetus. Why are blood and body fluid precautions important?Although skin provides some protection from exposure to potentially infectious substances, it is strongly recommended that health professionals use blood and body fluid precautions for further protection when they are providing health care. These precautions also help protect you from exposure to a potential infection from your health professional in the unlikely event that you come in contact with the health professional's blood. It is recommended that everyone use blood and body fluid precautions when giving first aid. Are blood and body fluid precautions always needed?The best practice is to always use blood and body fluid precautions, even when you can't see any blood and there's no chance that blood is present. But the precautions aren't absolutely needed if you don't see any blood when you come in contact with other body fluids, such as:
How can you reduce your risk of exposure to blood and body fluids?Blood and body fluid precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. These reduce the risk of exposing the skin or mucous membranes to potentially infectious fluids. Health care workers should always use protective barriers to protect themselves from exposure to another person's blood or body fluids.
How else can I reduce my risk?It is recommended that everyone use blood and body fluid precautions while giving first aid. You may wish to have gloves available in your home, office, or vehicle if you think you may be required to help another person in an emergency. Other precautions can help you minimize your risk of exposure to contaminated blood and body fluids.
Learn first aid and CPR, so when you are faced with an emergency or injury, you will know what to do. What should I do if I am exposed?
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Credits Current as of: Author: Healthwise Staff What should you do if you are exposed to blood or body 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 is the correct protocol for blood and body fluid isolation?Always wear gloves for handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids. Wear gloves if you have scraped, cut, or chapped skin on your hands. Change your gloves after each use. Wash your hands immediately after removing your gloves.
Do you know the 3 key steps to perform with needlestick or blood body fluid exposure?Wash the site of the needlestick or cut with soap and water. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants.
What are the protocols which should be followed for care after exposure to blood or other body fluids to whom will you report this incident and how?Treatment protocols should include removal of contaminated clothing and thorough washing of the injured area with soap and water. Affected mucous membranes should be flushed with large amounts of water. Eyes should be flushed gently. The exposed person must report any occupational exposures immediately.
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