Blood or Body Fluid Exposure

Policy

Blood or body fluid exposure (BBFE) happens when a wound or mucous membrane is exposed to blood or body fluid from another person. This could be a splash incident, puncture, or bite injury that places the staff member at risk of being infected with blood-borne viruses.

Blood and body fluid exposures includes needlestick injuries. See also Sharps Safety.

Staff must take immediate action after a BBFE event to apply first aid and collect blood samples to assess and manage individual risk.

All incidents and adverse events resulting from BBFE are reported to the PHO and investigated at the practice using the incident management procedure.

All incidents are discussed at team meetings to identify opportunities for learning and to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Spill kits, containing PPE, detergents, and waste bags, are stocked at the practice and used as required.

Managing blood or body fluid exposure

Apply first aid immediately

• Eyes, nose, or mouth: Rinse thoroughly with running water or saline.
• tact lens wearers: Rinse lenses thoroughly before and after the contacts are removed.
• Puncture wounds: Squeeze gently to encourage bleeding and wash with soap and running water. Cover with a dry dressing if appropriate.
• Broken skin: Wash with running water to remove as much of the contaminating blood or fluid as possible.

Collect blood specimens

Informed consent is required before testing the staff member or patient. In all cases, confidentiality is essential.

• Notify a clinician to arrange specimen collection.
• Arrange blood tests for both the patient and staff member.
• Follow local laboratory requirements for blood samples and request forms.
• Arrange for specimens to be sent to the lab urgently.
• Offer support and counselling to both patient and staff.

Seek infectious disease advice

• Urgently if known or suspected exposure to HIV.
• If Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C compatible illness occurs.

Follow-up

The patient's medical status, and the staff member's immunity status may affect treatment protocol and follow-up.

• Clinician communicates test results to the exposed person. If results have not been received within 24-hours, follow up with the lab.
• Clinician arranges any further treatment required, and any follow-up testing on the exposed staff member – this is usually done at six months.
• Consider earlier progress-testing at three months depending on the level of risk, or the recipient's level of anxiety.

Related policies

• Adverse Events
• Cleaning the Practice
• Incidents
• Informed Consent
• Sharps Safety
• Staff Health and Immunity

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