What is the correct response to exposure to blood or body fluids?

What is the correct response to exposure to blood or body fluids?

• A. Mouth rinse with water and spit into sink, repeat at least four times; eyes flush with water for 3-5 minutes; skin wash with soap and water for 15 seconds
• B. Mouth rinse with water; eyes flush 3-5 minutes; skin wash 15 seconds
• C. Wait 4 hours before washing
• D. Rinse mouth only with mouthwash and ignore eyes/skin

Answer: (A)

Immediate decontamination after exposure to blood or body fluids is essential to reduce infection risk. Rinse the mouth with clean water and spit it out, repeating several times to help remove any contaminants. Flush the eyes with clean water for 3–5 minutes to wash away splashes, and wash the skin with soap and water for about 15 seconds to remove residues. This thorough, multi-area cleansing tackles all potential routes of exposure (oral, ocular, and dermal) and is more protective than a single rinse or ignoring any area. After decontamination, report the exposure to your supervisor and seek any required medical guidance.

Immediate decontamination after exposure to blood or body fluids is essential to reduce infection risk. Rinse the mouth with clean water and spit it out, repeating several times to help remove any contaminants. Flush the eyes with clean water for 3–5 minutes to wash away splashes, and wash the skin with soap and water for about 15 seconds to remove residues. This thorough, multi-area cleansing tackles all potential routes of exposure (oral, ocular, and dermal) and is more protective than a single rinse or ignoring any area. After decontamination, report the exposure to your supervisor and seek any required medical guidance.