Updated 2009
Blood and body fluids may contain pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What Is Considered to Be an Exposure?
- a needle stick or cut from a sharp object
- blood and/or body fluid contact with broken skin (open cut, wound, rash)
- blood and/or body fluid contact with eyes, nose or mouth
What to Do If There Is an Exposure
- Wear single-use gloves prior to handling or dressing a client’s wound.
- Wash the exposed skin surface with water and soap. If the area is bleeding, allow it to bleed freely. After cleaning the wound, apply a skin antiseptic and cover with a clean dressing or bandage.
- If there has been a splash onto a mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) flush the area thoroughly with water.
- The person exposed must immediately contact a physician.
- Document all incidents and keep records on site for one year and on file for 5 years.
What Information Needs to Be Documented When There Has Been an Exposure?
Important Related Information About Blood and Body Fluid Exposures
Print Versions Available Upon Request in the Following Languages
For a copy of this document in the following languages, please email us at BodySafe@toronto.ca
- 中文 / Chinese
- 한국어 / Korean