Overview
Introduction
An occupational blood exposure creates a possible route for HBV, HCV, or HIV transmission; it does not establish that infection has occurred.
An occupational blood exposure creates a possible route for HBV, HCV, or HIV transmission; it does not establish that infection has occurred. The response is time-sensitive because first aid limits local tissue injury and HIV PEP has a short initiation window. The nurse rapidly connects three facts: how the exposure occurred, how infectious the source may be, and whether the exposed worker has documented HBV immunity. A deep hollow-bore needle injury involving visible blood requires more urgent PEP assessment than blood contact with intact skin, but every qualifying exposure should receive immediate first aid and prompt reporting.