Evaluation of exposures to bloodborne pathogens
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are viruses that can be transmitted through the blood or certain other body fluids.
What is a body substance exposure?
A body substance exposure is an exposure to blood or other moist body fluids:
- with a contaminated sharp that pierces the skin (such as a scalpel or needle)
- exposure to eyes, mouth or other mucous membranes
- exposure to non-intact skin.
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens must be referred immediately to Employee Health Service.
What if I have a body substance exposure?
If you experience a body substance exposure, immediately:
- Wash the area well with soap and water.
- For exposures to the eye, rinse with clear water for 10 minutes.
Follow this link for printable instructions to post in your department: "What to do if you have a Body Substance Exposure."
How do I report a body substance exposure?
Alpha or numeric page Employee Health Service 24 hours a day at beeper #5356. During EHS hours, the Employee Health nurse will return your page.
After EHS hours, the pager will be forwarded to the appropriate staff in the Emergency Department.
- For more information, go to our Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Information Sheet
- Follow this link to review the body substance exposure reporting process
- Follow this link for information about safety devices to help reduce the risk of an exposure.
More information
Follow this link to review the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s information about bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention.
