Chapter 110 – Minimizing Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids
Zakir Hussain A. Shaikh, MD, MPH, CPE, FIDSA
Hospital Epidemiologist and Medical Director, Infection Control
Methodist Health System
Chief, Infectious Diseases
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Dallas, Texas
ABSTRACT
Occupational exposure to contaminated medical devices, specifically percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps, account for the largest number of healthcare worker exposures to blood and other potentially infectious materials. To minimize this exposure risk, evaluation, selection, and implementation of engineering controls; safe work practices; comprehensive safety programs; and annual review of those elements provide the most solid base for healthcare worker safety. This chapter will review device-related causes of sharps injuries, available technologies for reducing injuries, and procedure- and device-specific exposure control measures. Brief discussion will be presented on international healthcare worker safety and public health relating to exposures to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
Last Revised: 1/7/10 8:33 AM
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