Show
In the event of a needle stick or sharps injury, or if you are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials, follow the steps as outlined below. Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Action ItemsImmediate action checklist for bloodborne pathogen exposure and needle stick incidents at UND's School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Immediate Steps
Within One Hour
Within Two Hours
Within 24 Hours
Within 48 Hours
Financial Obligation Notes
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines Universal Precautions as an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and body fluids as if they contain bloodborne pathogens.
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease. A Better Understanding of Universal PrecautionsIn 1987, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published “Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health-Care Settings,” which recommended that blood and body fluid precautions be used for all patients, regardless of their infection status. Prior to this, blood and body fluid precautions were only recommended when a patient was known or suspected to be infected with a bloodborne pathogen. Universal precautions include:
Universal precautions apply to the following body fluids:
How are Bloodborne Pathogens Spread?According to the American National Red Cross: “Bloodborne pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, are present in blood and body fluids and can cause disease in humans. The bloodborne pathogens of primary concern are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. These and other bloodborne pathogens are spread primarily through:
Follow standard precautions to help prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens and other diseases whenever there is a risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids. These precautions require that all blood and other body fluids be treated as if they are infectious. Standard precautions include maintaining personal hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, work practice controls, and proper equipment cleaning and spill cleanup procedures.” Call the Professionals at Aftermath for Blood CleanupsAlthough developed for healthcare professionals, universal precautions should be taken by anyone who may have contact with blood or body fluids. It is recommended to call a bioremediation company to clean up a blood spill that is larger than a standard dinner plate. After an accident, homicide, suicide, or other trauma, many families do not know where to turn for help in the cleanup. Aftermath safely and thoroughly cleans up potential bloodborne pathogens that are left behind after a trauma, and like hospital workers, we employ universal precautions to ensure the safety of our technicians and those we serve. To learn more about Aftermath and our services, read through these frequently asked questions. ———- Sources: OSHA:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/univprec/univ.html What is the first step you should take when cleaning up a spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials?Wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and running water. Use non-abrasive, antibacterial soap if possible. If blood is splashed in the eye or mucous membrane, flush the affected area with running water for at least 15 minutes.
What is the first step in any incident involving blood or other potentially infectious materials?If you aren't sure what to do, these 5 steps can help: Wash exposed skin, cuts, and needlestick injuries thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been splashed by potentially infectious fluids around the eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area with water. Immediately report the incident to emergency medical services.
What steps follow blood spill procedure?STOP service.. GLOVE hands of licensee.. CLEAN injured area as appropriate.. APPLY antiseptic and/or liquid or spray styptic as appropriate (see NOTE).. COVER the injury with the appropriate dressing to prevent further blood exposure.. BAG and dispose of all contaminated objects. ... . RETURN to service.. What is the 3 step procedure for cleaning up a blood spill?Procedure for Spills on Hard, non-porous surfaces: Cleanup and decontamination is a 3 step process requiring proper personal protection equipment, removal of gross filth (visible material), followed by disinfection of surface.
|