What is a Needlestick or an Exposure?
Exposure
An exposure is any event where a health care worker or student is exposed
to a patient's bodily fluids in such a way that the health care worker
or stufent may be at rick of contracting an infectious disease. The
patient's infectious disease status may or may not be known. Even if
the patient is "known" to be free of infectious diseases,
it is important to treat all exposures as if they hav ethe potential
to transmit an infectious disease.
Needlestick
A needlestick is a type of exposure. It is a general term that describes
an event wherein a health care worker or student has the surface of
their skin punctured by a sharp instrument that has been contaminated
with a patient's bodily fluids.
Splash/Eyesplash
A splash is also a type of exposure. It is a general term that describes
an event wherein a health care worker or student is splashed with a
patient's bodily fluids. Splashes to the face are most concerning because
of the ease with which a pathogen can enter the body. The mucous membranes
of the nose, mouth, and eyes are especially susceptible. However, a
splash to any part of the body can pose a risk if there is a break i
nhte skin. Such a break in the skin may or may not be visible.