When a blood-exposure incident occurs in a laboratory setting, what is the first action you should take?

• A. Apply a bandage to the wound
• B. Report the incident to your supervisor
• C. Seek medical attention for post-exposure prophylaxis
• D. Immediately wash the affected area with soap and water

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the primary goal after a blood-exposure incident is to reduce the risk of infection by removing or diluting the contaminant from the skin or wound.
2. Recognize that the first and immediate action should be to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water to physically remove blood or other potentially infectious materials.
3. Note that applying a bandage, reporting the incident, and seeking medical attention are important steps but should follow the initial washing to minimize infection risk.
4. Remember that washing the area promptly helps reduce the chance of transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, HBV, and HCV.
5. After washing, proceed to report the incident to your supervisor and seek medical evaluation for possible post-exposure prophylaxis as per laboratory safety protocols.