Assessment of adults after a possible exposure to bloodborne viruses
Assess all adults after a possible exposure to bloodborne viruses, see Assessment of adults after possible exposure to bloodborne viruses.
- Clarify if an exposure or a “near-miss” situation occurred. If a “near-miss” occurred rather than a definite exposure:
- reassure the person
- ensure the person is assessed for appropriate prevention measures in case of future exposures (eg HBV immunisation or HIV PrEP)
- provide advice about avoidance of potential future exposures.
- Obtain details of the exposure, including the time and nature of the exposure, and details of the exposed person and the source.
- Perform a risk assessment of the exposure, taking into account the:
- type of exposure
- type and amount of fluid involved
- infectious status of the source (if known)
- susceptibility of the exposed person.
- Test the source (if possible) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C antibody and HIV antibody/antigen. If the source is hepatitis C antibody positive, perform hepatitis C polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
- Test the exposed person for baseline hepatitis B surface antibody, and store the blood sample in case further testing (eg hepatitis C antibody, HIV antibody/antigen) is required.
- In cases of sexual exposure, test the exposed person for other sexually transmissible pathogens – see Investigations for STIs and, for people who have menstrual cycles presenting within 5 days of sexual intercourse, offer emergency contraception.
- In cases of sexual assault, see also Adult sexual assault.
- Provide counselling and follow-up for all exposed people. This should include information about the need for any special precautions to prevent transmission at work, in the household and in the community during the follow-up period.
Advice is included in these guidelines for management of suspected or confirmed exposure to: