Risk: Safety / Trauma, Transmission of Blood-borne disease
Likelihood: Unlikely
Impact: Moderate
Strategy: Seek Medical Attention, Fill in incident report form
Blood and Body Fluid Exposures
Exposure to Blood or Body substances can include:
Needle stick injuries
Injuries from scalpels and other sharp instruments
Splashes to the mucosa (eye, nose, mouth) or broken skin.
Should any of these occur, immediate action should take place according to the following:
Immediate action:
Skin > Immediately wash with soap and water
Eyes > Rinse gently but thoroughly with water while eyes are open
Mouth > Spit out and rinse mouth thoroughly with water
Needlestick / sharps Injury > Immediately wash with soap and water
Risk assessment:
Non or doubtful exposure > No further immediate action
Possible definite Exposure > Immediately contact GP for counseling, blood screening and referral to major health facility if necessary
Massive exposure > Immediately contact GP for counseling, blood screening and referral to major health facility for further prophylaxis
An incident report form should be completed as soon as possible following any incident involving staff or patients.
Seek Medical Attention, Fill in incident report form
See Incident notification section