CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 6: INTRODUCTION TO INFECTION CONTROL 131
to pay for the assurance that protection from a potentially dangerous infection
is in effect.
5. Documentation of the immunization status should be kept in each individual
faculty member’s personnel record as well as in a master vaccination file .
Documentation of student vaccination is to be maintained in the student’s
record file and master training file . Any faculty member or student declining
vaccination will be counseled on the benefits and safety of the vaccine and
will sign a statement to that effect.
Preexposure Records Storage and Maintenance
Preexposure documentation of training and baseline testing of the employee
or student for preexisting conditions is important. When a health care worker
is exposed to an infectious agent , procedures called baseline determinations
that were performed before the incident are compared with those obtained
immediately following exposure. This documents the presence or absence of a
preexisting condition. Medical records are maintained as required in the Blood
Borne Pathogens Standard implemented by OSHA. Student medical records
shall be retained for a period of 1 year after graduation, completion, termination,
or leaving the educational facility. Faculty medical records as well as those
for medical workers and other employees of the medical facility are retained
for a period of 30 years after the date employment ends for each employee.
These records are often accompanied by documentation of training for the
employees.
Immediate Action after Possible Exposure
If soiled clothing or broken skin is present following a possible exposure, immediate
action may be necessary. First, the amount of blood present is assessed. A
small amount less than the size of a 50-cent piece that cannot be squeezed from
the clothing would not necessitate removal of one’s clothing. Extremely bloody
clothing should be removed and NEVER worn home. Those exposed should
clean themselves carefully and place soiled clothing in a plastic bag. Clean clothing
should be available for wearing during travel home.
Second, bloody clothing must be handled with precautions in mind. Bloody
clothing with a considerable amount of blood on it should be secured in a closed
and intact plastic bag to prevent contamination of others in the vicinity who may
be assisting with or providing aid. Extremely bloody clothing should NOT be
washed in commercial washers . It should be soaked in a dilute bleach solution
before it is placed in a washing machine or sink. Very little danger exists from
dried blood , but it is important to be very careful. It has been documented that
HBV may survive 10 to 14 days in dried blood. Fortunately, HIV survives for
only a short time in dried blood.
Skin breaks, rashes, or cuts and abrasions provide a direct portal of entry
into the body for infectious microorganisms, including both bacteria and viruses.
If skin breaks are present, one should seek medical attention if exposed to
blood . If the infection control officer is not present and broken skin or mucous
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