Splatter Matters – Blood Exposure Risks you may not have Considered

Splatter Matters – Blood Exposure Risks you may not have Considered

Cheryl Kelley RN BSN, VA-BC

There is no doubt that the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000 and OSHA’s subsequent revision of its Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) resulted in the reduction of percutaneous blood borne pathogen exposure for healthcare workers. However, risks still exist for exposure through both the percutaneous and mucocutaneous routes.  This lecture will review the most current reported statistics associated with blood exposure as well as those that are underreported/non-reported. A review of products that are available to reduce the risk for blood exposure will be presented as well.   A nurse's personal experiences after an exposure to a blood borne pathogen will conclude the presentation.

Learning Objectives:

1.      Review statistics associated with percutaneous and mucocutaneous blood exposure for the healthcare worker.

2.     Discuss vascular access product engineered features which can reduce these exposure risks.

3.     Identify two personal ramifications experienced by a clinician who was exposed to a blood borne pathogen. 

This meeting is sponsored by our friends at Terumo