This guideline is a reference document containing the rationale and extended information regarding the clinical management of potential occupational and non-occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens. This document should be used in conjunction with the Healthcare Worker Occupational Exposure Incident Management NT Health Guideline.
A potential blood borne virus (BBV) exposure occurs when broken skin, conjunctiva or mucosa (oral or genital) is exposed to the blood or body fluids of another person. These include needle stick punctures, scalpel cuts, human bites, scrapes and cuts where the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes have been compromised, sexual contact and splashes of blood or body fluids including amniotic fluid.
The purpose of this guideline is to ensure the prompt and appropriate assessment, management, reporting and follow-up of people who have been potentially exposed to BBV and other blood borne pathogens such as syphilis.