The purpose of these guidelines is to provide comprehensive guidance on the appropriate management of injuries where there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne viruses and other infections. The types of injury covered are: needlestick or other sharps injury, sexual exposure, human bites, and exposure of broken skin or of mucous membranes.

Contents:
1. Introduction 12
2. Initial assessment p.12
2.1 Urgent first aid
2.2 Initial wound care
2.3 Complete the patient management form
2.4 Decide if a significant exposure has occurred
3. Assessing the risk of transmission of infection p.14
3.1 Risk assessment – bloodborne viruses
3.2 Factors increasing the risk of transmission
3.3 Investigation of source
3.4 Assessing the recipient
4. Treatment of recipient following a significant exposure p.17
4.1 Actions to be taken
4.2 Hepatitis B post-exposure prophylaxis
4.3 Hepatitis C
4.4 HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
4.5 Tetanus
4.6 Antibiotic treatment
5. Specific injuries and settings p.19
5.1 Occupational exposure
5.2 Sexual exposure
5.4 Human bites
5.4 Community acquired needlestick injury
5.5 Injury in dental practice
5.6 Injury in primary care medical practice
6. Information and follow-up of recipient p.21
6.1 Information
6.2 Precautions
6.3 Follow-up
7. Records/documentation p.22
7.1 Patient management form
7.2 Recording of medication
7.3 Notifiable diseases
7.4 Occupational injuries
7.5 Risk management forms for hospital
References p.23
Glossary of abbreviations and terms p.24