Abstract

Background: Occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens may occur during patient care. The greatest risk is through skin penetration by sharp injuries. However, infectious materials can transmit through mucous membranes and non-intact skin exposures.
Aim: The aim of this study is to emphasize the danger of eye exposure by splashes of blood and body fluids at healthcare setting.
Methods: This retrospective, analytic study reviews the collected data at a university hospital in Mashhad- Iran- over a period of four years, 2009 Mar–2013 Mar.
Results: There were 65 self-reported eye mucous membrane exposures by splashes of blood or other bodily fluids. 58 exposures (89%) occurred during urgent care of critically ill patients while, 3 (5%) occurred in operating room, 2 (3%) during debridement of infected wounds and 2 (3%) involving other invasive procedures. Eye shield and/or mask during body fluid splash used by only 37% (71% nurses, 22% physicians, 7% the others). One nurse contracted crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) but treated appropriately.
Conclusions: Practical training on the process of reporting occupational exposures and update training sessions on standard precautions and preventive measures should be available for all healthcare workers in their workplace.

Key words: Occupational exposure; Mucous membrane; Body fluid splash