Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIV · Infection Control · 04

Sharps and exposure management

Most exposures are preventable: never recap with two hands, use a one-handed scoop or a recapping device, and drop sharps into an upright, puncture-resistant container near the point of use. After a stick, wash with soap and water, report it at once and get evaluated. HIV PEP should start within hours, and there is no PEP for hepatitis C.

High-yield facts · 7

  1. Use engineering controls (safety devices) and work practices: never recap needles with two hands; use a one-handed scoop or a recapping device.S24S7
  2. Sharps containers must be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof, labeled or color-coded and kept upright near the point of use.S24
  3. After an exposure: wash with soap and water (flush mucous membranes or eyes with water), report immediately, get medical evaluation.S7
  4. HIV PEP should start as soon as possible, ideally within hours; it is generally not started after 72 hours and lasts 28 days.S7
  5. Unvaccinated worker exposed to HBV: hepatitis B immune globulin plus the vaccine series, ideally within 24 hours.S7
  6. There is no PEP for hepatitis C; test at baseline and follow up.S7
  7. Never inject a cartridge, needle or syringe into more than one patient; anesthetic cartridges are single use.S8

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.