When blood makes contact with the eyes, it constitutes a blood exposure incident, a situation that warrants immediate and serious attention. Such an event, whether a splash, spray, or other direct contact, carries potential health considerations. Swift action minimizes risks.
Immediate Eye Flushing Protocol
Flushing the eyes promptly and thoroughly is the first step after blood exposure. Flush the affected eye(s) for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. This duration helps adequately rinse away any potentially infectious material.
Use clean, running water, sterile saline solution, or a sterile eye irrigant for flushing. If available, an emergency eyewash station is suitable, designed to deliver a steady flow of fluid. If an eyewash station is not immediately accessible, use tap water or any clean water source.
To flush effectively, tilt your head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye, allowing the water to flow from the inner corner towards the outer corner. This technique helps prevent the blood or flushing solution from entering the other eye.
Hold your eyelids open to ensure the fluid washes over the entire surface of the eye, including under the lids. While flushing, gently move your eye up, down, and side to side to ensure comprehensive rinsing. If you wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as possible during the flushing process to prevent trapping any contaminants.
Potential Health Concerns
Immediate and thorough flushing is necessary because blood can carry various microorganisms, including bloodborne pathogens. Pathogens of concern include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). These viruses can be transmitted through contact with mucous membranes, such as those in the eyes.
Exposure to blood does not automatically mean infection will occur. The risk of transmission for HIV through eye exposure is generally low, estimated to be around 0.1%. For Hepatitis C, the risk is considered very small. Hepatitis B carries a higher risk of transmission in occupational settings compared to HIV or HCV. Prompt flushing helps reduce the amount of infectious material, thereby lowering the potential for transmission.
Next Steps After Flushing
After flushing your eyes, seek prompt medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider, visit an urgent care center, or go to an emergency room as soon as possible for medical evaluation. Inform your supervisor or the person in charge about the incident, providing details of how the exposure occurred, the type and amount of fluid involved, and the duration of contact.
A medical professional will assess the risk of transmission based on the specifics of the exposure and the known or suspected source of the blood. They may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves taking specific medications to prevent infection, particularly for HIV. PEP is most effective when started quickly, generally within 72 hours. Follow-up testing and monitoring may also be advised to ensure your health and address any potential concerns.