Blood Exposure & Risk

Hoozdo, ADN · Mar 15, 2007

:uhoh21: Has anyone accidentally gotten blood on their hands? I have dry cuticles and got some blood/saline mix on my finger today. I washed it immediately and didn't worry about it after. Is this an exposure? I thought "exposure" was an accidental needlestick or blood splashes to mucous membranes. If you have dry cuticles, but no obvious broken skin, does it even pose a risk?

I would say dry cuticles are a risk because you have the potential to have a skin break at any time. Just make sure you have gloves on if there is any possibility you will be exposed to blood or any other nasties.

TazziRN, RN · Mar 15, 2007

I have, many times, always because I was moving too fast. Never came down with anything, but I know it's because of pure luck and the grace of God.

Irishgirl · Mar 15, 2007

Luckily the guy has no hx of Hep C or HIV, so I'm good this time; but it makes you say "oh crap, don't do that again".

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 15, 2007

I did it on a guy known to be HIV+. AV fistula abscessed & ruptured so blood is shooting out of his RFA. Instinct kicked in & I slammed my bare hand down on top of it. Won't do it again. Poor guy was very nice & hollered at me not do that, go wash my hands, get gloves, etc. VERY fortunately for me, I had no broken skin, so it "technically" didn't count as an exposure. Labs were & have been fine. VERY VERY fortunate. Blood was everywhere in that room, so I had to change shoes, socks, pants, etc. The next day I got a cut on that same hand.:uhoh21: