[Table of Contents]

Volume: 23S2 • March 1997

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

Recommendations for an Integrated Protocol

3. Counselling the HCW Following a Significant Exposure

The HCW may be more likely to report injuries and comply with the follow-up if the post-exposure protocol for bloodborne pathogens integrates all relevant viruses. Compensation for an occupational infection may depend on documented test results from the source and the HCW.

Obtaining informed consent from the HCW and maintaining strict confidentiality of all information are integral parts of the post-exposure management program. When consent is obtained, consider drawing blood from the HCW for testing for all three pathogens immediately following injury, since the infection status of the source may not be known at that time.

Counselling the HCW must be done prior to the blood specimen being tested.

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