Infection Control Services

ICS provides immediate information and treatment to those who sustain blood exposure and are at risk of contracting bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Infection Control Services - FAQs

 

ICS FAQs

What do l do?

First:

 

  1. Cleanse wound, irrigate area of exposure or splashes to eyes.
  2. If emergency medical care is needed, place call from emergency facility.

 

What is a Blood Exposure?

A cut or needlestick with a blood contaminated sharp item or blood contact on broken skin (rash or chapped).

 

What is a No-Risk Exposure?

 

  1. A needlestick, cut or scratch with a sharp object not contaminated with blood.
  2. Accidental splash of something other than blood or bloody material.
  3. Needlestick with needle used to flush an IV or needle used in an IV piggyback providing no visible blood is present.
  4. Needlestick or cut with a clean or sterile sharp object.
  5. Needlestick from needle used to withdraw medications.

If you are involved in a no-risk exposure, complete an accident report and take it to your employer as instructed.
 

 

Common Questions and Answers About Exposures

 

 

Q: How easy is it to get HIV virus from blood contact?

 

A: The intact healthy skin is a good barrier to infections of all types including these viruses. Small volumes or drops of blood on normal healthy skin probably is not a risk at all even if the blood contains a lot of HIV or other viruses. If there is a large volume of blood (an entire arm or body saturated with blood) an evaluation is warranted. Some risk may be present. The real risk comes when there is a disruption of intact skin for instance in the case of a rash, or a cut, or a puncture with a sharp instrument, or in the case of mucous membrane contact (eyes, nose, mouth, vaginal or urethral). Overall, the risk of getting HIV from non intact skin or mucous membrane is probably about 1 in 1000 whereas it is about 1 in 300 for a puncture or laceration type injury. This can be further broken down into high risk or low risk based on how much blood has come in contact with broken skin or was on the sharp instrument that produced the injury, and how much virus was in the blood.

Q: What can be done to prevent HIV, HBV and HCV infection?

A: Risk of sexual transmission can be minimized by a variety of means ranging from having no sexual relations to knowing your partner and staying in a monogamous relationship with both partners having no infection at the outset. If you are tested for these viruses and have no high risk behavior (which may result in you being in the incubation period for a period of 6 to 12 months) you can be sure you are negative. If you are not able to fulfill these circumstances or do not choose to, then use of latex condoms with a reservoir at the tip should be used for sexual intercourse (vaginal, rectal and oral). [Click here for ``Proper Use of Condoms"] Decreasing the risk of blood exposure is very important, in the home situation as well as at the work site. If you have sustained a blood exposure in the home and you cannot fulfill the same criteria as mentioned above in the case of sexual contact then you should see your physician. There are mandates in the workplace that have come through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to reduce the blood exposure risk. These include education, safe devices in the workplace, barrier protection, labeling, and availability of health care professionals to assess and manage blood accidents that do occur.

Q: Is there any way to prevent HIV infection after exposure has occurred?

A: In December 1995, we were able to conclude that transmission could be prevented in 80% of the cases if individuals are treated after exposure with medication. We now use 2 or 3 drugs in situations thought to be high risk or when the source of the blood is known to be positive for HIV to attempt to produce 80% or greater prevention of transmission. Infection Control Services, Inc. began using combination therapy for blood exposures in March of 1996. The CDC put out recommendations in June 1996 that combination therapy was indicated.

Q: How soon should treatment be started after a blood exposure?

A: It is thought that the chance of preventing infection is greatest the earlier the treatment is provided. It is stated by the CDC that treatment should be started as soon as possible, within one to two hours if possible. Infection Control Services, Inc, has a Blood Exposure Hotline which is answered immediately, 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays to provide risk assessment, immediate treatment if necessary and follow up for blood exposures.

Q: What should I do if I am not aware of any blood exposure management through my employer?

A: If you are at risk for blood exposure you should ask your employer what resources they have provided to you to get immediate information following a blood exposure. If they are not aware of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, please E-mail us and we will send you information and even contact your employer. This can be done without your name being mentioned.

 

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