Final answer:
After accidental exposure to body fluids, one must follow certain safety measures such as wearing protective gear, immediate washing of the skin, using strong disinfectants, and proper disposal of contaminated materials. Post-exposure treatments like HBIG and vaccination are also crucial for preventing infections like hepatitis B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following accidental exposure to body fluids, specific protocols need to be adhered to ensure safety and prevent infection. Health-care workers should wear protective gear, such as a protective coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves when handling contaminated equipment or specimens, or working with infected patients. In the case of skin contact with body fluids, the area should be washed immediately with detergent and warm water without scrubbing, followed by a treatment with 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach for 1 minute. Contaminated waste must then be properly disposed of by incineration or autoclaving in a strong basic solution, while instruments need to be cleaned and soaked in the same type of solution. To prevent infection, precautions such as avoiding contact with body fluids, using disposable syringes and needles, and wearing gloves and face protection are emphasized. Additionally, thorough washing of exposed skin with soap and water is recommended, and in the event of exposure to such viruses as hepatitis B, post-exposure treatments like HBIG and vaccination may be necessary. Disinfecting and sterilizing of equipment can also limit virus transmission, with the CDC advising a solution of 10% bleach for surface disinfection.