Post Exposure Control

There should be a protocol in place and readily accessible. If an incident occurs (such as a sharps, or used lancet puncture or blood splatter in the eye), a specific post exposure procedure should be followed:

• the area of puncture or access should be thoroughly washed with antiseptic
• the sharp or source should be placed in a rigid container such as a capped jar
• the source of the blood should be approached to have a voluntary test
• the staff member should attend a doctor and supply the suspect source for testing
• tests should be offered; and counselling too.

The entire incident should be recorded and efforts made to reduce the anxiety that the event may have given rise to.