[Table of Contents]

Volume: 23S2 • March 1997

AN INTEGRATED PROTOCOL TO MANAGE HEALTH CARE WORKERS EXPOSED TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Recommendations for an Integrated Protocol

1. Immediate Post-Exposure Activities

1.1 First aid

• Remove the contaminated clothes.

• Allow immediate bleeding of the wound.

• Wash the injured area well with soap and water, and apply an antiseptic (if available).

• If the eyes, nose, or mouth are involved, flush them well with large amounts of water ⁽¹⁰⁾.

The exposed HCW should report the injury to a designated person. Details of the accident should be documented and the significance of the exposure assessed. In light of revised chemoprophylaxis recommendations for HIV (see Appendix), it is urgent for the HCW to be assessed as soon as possible after exposure. If post-exposure chemoprophylaxis is to be implemented, it should begin as soon as possible — preferably within 1 to 2 hours after exposure.

[Previous] [Table of Contents] [Next]