Editing Infection Control and Safety (section)

== Sharps Safety and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure ==

The primary bloodborne pathogens of occupational concern are hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Prevention includes hepatitis B vaccination for healthcare workers, engineered sharps injury protection devices, no recapping, and immediate point-of-use disposal.

'''After a needlestick or mucous membrane exposure:'''

# Wash the site immediately with soap and water; flush mucous membranes and eyes with water or saline. Do not squeeze or apply caustic agents.
# Report the exposure immediately and follow the facility exposure protocol.
# Source patient and exposed worker are tested per protocol.
# HIV post-exposure prophylaxis should begin as soon as possible, ideally within hours. Hepatitis B post-exposure management depends on the worker's vaccination and antibody status. There is no post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis C, so serial testing is used.
# Complete the incident report and follow-up testing schedule.