Public Health Threat

High-risk exposure

The steps listed below are to be taken in response to a "high-risk" exposure incident, which is defined as an accidental puncture injury, mucus membrane, or non-intact skin exposure to human blood or body fluid. A high-risk exposure should be considered infectious, regardless of the source.

• Immediately and thoroughly wash the exposed site with soap and water, or flush the eye and mucus membrane with water or saline for 15 minutes.
• Report the incident to your supervisor immediately.
• Notify Campus Safety at 253-288-3350 or campus ext. 3350, who will notify the appropriate personnel.

Contact with the following bodily fluids or materials are not covered by this section: semen, feces, nasal secretions, saliva, sputum, spit, sweat, tears, urine, and vomit. If any of the preceding bodily fluids contain visible blood, then follow the high-risk procedures listed above. If a spill or contaminated area is in a college building, contact Campus Safety at 253-288-3350 or campus ext. 3350.