Exposure Incidents
Even the most comprehensive infection control program cannot guarantee that no accidental exposures to bloodborne pathogens will occur. Human error or an unexpected circumstance can result in a sudden needlestick injury or a splash of blood in an employee's eyes. For this reason, postexposure management must be an integral component of a complete program to prevent infection following bloodborne pathogen exposure.
An exposure incident is an event resulting from the performance of an employee's duties in which there has been:
- A percutaneous injury involving a potentially contaminated needle or other sharp
- A splash of blood or other potentially infectious materials to the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes
- Blood or other potentially infectious materials contacting broken skin
An occupational exposure should always be considered an urgent medical concern to ensure timely postexposure management and administration of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), hepatitis B vaccine, and/or HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). If you are injured or exposed, tell your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor is responsible for reporting your injury correctly.
Early treatment can significantly reduce the chance of disease transmission!
The U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) has published Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis", which can be accessed at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5011a1.htm.