An exposure incident is a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), as defined in the standard that results from the performance of a worker’s duties.

What is an example of exposure incident?

Examples of exposure incidents include needle sticks, splash/spatter to the mucous membranes of the face, and any other incident that involves contact between blood or potentially infectious materials and non-intact skin (cuts, scratches, chapped skin, etc.).

What is the purpose of an exposure incident report?

These facts are needed for follow-up and prevention of similar exposures to others. Reporting is important because part of the follow-up includes testing the blood of the individual source to determine HBV and HIV infectivity, if this is unknown and if permission for testing can be obtained.