Book
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Healthcare Workers
- Scope and Purpose
This Post-Exposure Prophylaxis among Healthcare personnel Guideline outlines procedures for managing occupational exposures among healthcare personnel to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, specifically Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
The scope of this guideline applies to all healthcare personnel and covers occupational exposures that pose a risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission, including:
● Percutaneous injuries: Needlestick injuries and cuts from sharps, including scalpels and broken glass.
● Mucocutaneous exposures: Splashes or contact of blood or OPIM with the eyes, nose, or mouth.
● Non-intact skin exposures: Contact of blood or OPIM with skin that is chapped, abraded, or affected by dermatitis.
These guidelines address immediate management, risk assessment, PEP administration, follow-up care, and preventive strategies related to occupational exposures.
The purpose of this guideline is to establish a standardized, evidence-based approach for the timely management of occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, HBV, and HCV, among healthcare staff. This guideline aims to minimize the risk of infection through prompt initiation of appropriate PEP, medical evaluation, counselling, and follow-up.
