3. Biosafety in case of suspected Ebola

3.8 Contamination with biological agents

3.8.5 Accidental exposure to blood or body fluids

An accident with exposure to blood or body fluids is a real risk for all health care and laboratory personnel, even when no Ebola is suspected. However, by keeping the rules of “good practice” and by following safety instructions, this risk can be significantly decreased.

3.8.5.1 Prevention of accidental exposure to blood & body fluids

An accidental exposure to blood & body fluids can lead to severe consequences such as an infection with the HIV or hepatitis B or C virus or in the present case, Ebola.

Definition of an accidental exposure to blood & body fluids: Any contact, percutaneous or on broken/damaged skin or on eye or skin mucosa with blood or biological fluid soiled by blood.

Risk of infection with, among others: HIV, HBV, HCV and EBOLA

High-risk manipulations include:

  • Putting a needle in place with two hands

  • Recapping a needle or a scalpel blade with two hands (80%)

  • Venous Blood Collection

  • Equipment forgotten on the operation field or the bench