Prevention and Management of Potential Exposure to Blood Borne Viruses Including Needlestick and Sharps Injuries REMOVED

Ref/ID: RM10(06) V8

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Occupational exposure to blood borne viruses is unnecessarily common and can ultimately result in a serious illness or death. In order to prevent such occurrences it is essential that all staff pay careful attention to the appropriate policy, procedure or protocol when handling sharp instruments, syringes, blood and other body fluids. Any significant exposure to blood and some other body fluids or tissue has the potential to transmit blood borne viruses, the most important of which are Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV.

Categories:

  • Governance: Safeguarding, Health & safety, Patient safety
  • Infection prevention & control: Antibiotics, Infectious diseases, Wound management

Published: 11/11/2021

Status: Up to date - due for review on 01/09/2026

Author: Eamonn.Trainor@srft.nhs.uk

Owners:

  • Salford Care Organisation
  • Salford Care Organisation: Tertiary Medicine

Applicable to:

  • Salford Care Organisation