sharps

Question 1

What is considered a sharp?

Answer 1

needles
human teeth
bone fragments
instruments

Question 2

What are the risks involved with a sharps accident?

Answer 2

percutaneous injury
BBV infection/ transmission
Injury with a non-contaminated sharps e.g unused needle/ clean bur- must be reported as a near miss

Question 3

What must you do when a sharps injury occurs?

Answer 3

Stop immediately
Apply first aid- encourage wound to bleed by squeezing it under warm water, wash thoroughly w/ soap + wate, dry hands + cover with waterproof dressing
Inform supervising clinician/ senior dental nurse
Complete BBV Exposure Protocol
Record + complete Datix Incident Reporting Form

Question 4

What is the estimated risk of HEP B transmission?

Answer 4

1 in 3

Question 5

What is the transmission risk for HEP C

Answer 5

1 in 30

Question 6

Are there vaccinations for hep c?

Answer 6

No
Direct acting antiviral tablets (DAA) can be given instead

Question 7

What is the risk of transmission for HIV

Answer 7

1 in 300
Post Exposure Pack must be commenced within 72hrs (24hrs better)

Question 8

What is ‘First Aid’ when a sharps incident occurs?

Answer 8

Encourage wound to bleed by squeezing under warm water
Wash thoroughly