Download Alert Conditions – Blood Borne Viruses [e.g. Hepatitis B and C

Infection Prevention and Control Assurance Standard Operating
Procedure 27 (IPC SOP 27)
Alert Conditions – Blood Borne Viruses
[e.g. Hepatitis B and C, Human Immuno-deficiency
Virus (HIV)]
Why we have a procedure?
To ensure employees of the Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have a
standard procedure to follow when caring for patients known or at high risk of carrying blood
borne viruses (BBVs), to minimise and manage the risks of transmission.
The Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice for the NHS for the Prevention and
Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (revised January 2015) stipulates that NHS bodies
must, in relation to preventing and controlling the risk of Health Care Associated Infections
(HCAI), have in place appropriate core policies/procedures. Implementation of this procedure
will contribute to the achievement and compliance with the Act.
What overarching policy the procedure links to?
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This procedure is supported by the Infection Prevention and Control Assurance Policy
Which services of the trust does this apply to? Where is it in operation?
Group
Mental Health Services
Learning Disabilities Services
Children and Young People Services
Inpatients
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Community
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Locations
all
all
all
Who does the procedure apply to?
This document applies to all staff employed by or working on behalf of the Black Country
Partnership NHS Foundation Trust caring for patients as part of their role and job description.
When should the procedure be applied?
Effective prevention and control of healthcare associated infection (HCAI) must be embedded
into everyday practice and applied consistently. This procedure must be applied to reduce the
risk of transmission of blood borne viruses.
Additional Information/ Associated Documents
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Infection Prevention and Control Assurance Policy

Hand Hygiene Policy
Blood Borne Viruses
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Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 1 (IPC SOP
1) - Standard Infection Control Precautions
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 2 (IPC SOP
2) - Transmission Based Precautions
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 3 (IPC SOP
3) - Surveillance of Infection and Data Collection
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 4 (IPC SOP
4) - Reporting Incidents of Infection to Public Health England and/or the Local Authority
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 6 (IPC SOP
6) - Isolation – Care of Patients in Isolation due to Infection or Disease
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 7 (IPC SOP
7) - Decontamination - Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilisation
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 9 (IPC SOP
9) - A-Z of Infections – A Quick Reference Guide
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 14 (IPC
SOP 14) - Undertaking a Patient Infection Risk Assessment
Aims
Preventing the spread of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) is a key public health issue; the Trust
aims to reduce the risk of transmission by ensuring staff:
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Remain alert to the risks of individual patients who are known or suspected of carrying
BBVs
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Aid diagnosis by sending appropriate specimens to the laboratory in a timely manner
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Ensure patients with BBV infection risk receive appropriate infection prevention and
control related care and management, to reduce the risks of transmission and promote
adherence to standard and transmission based precautions
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Administer appropriate treatment as/when indicated
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Inform other healthcare providers of the patients infectious status (but protecting the
patients confidentiality), when any transfers of care are planned either internally within
the Trust or to external care providers
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Report to Occupational Health all exposure incidents and refrain from undertaking any
exposure-prone procedures if they are aware that they have or may have a BBV
Definitions
Contamination
injury
Exposure of mucous membranes or non-intact skin to blood or other
body fluids or a human bite that causes bleeding or punctures the skin
Healthcare
Acquired Infection
(HCAI)
Healthcare associated infection (HCAI) refers to infections that occur as
a result of contact with the healthcare system in its widest sense – from
care provided in the patient’s own home, to general practice, hospital
and nursing home care.
Infection
The presence of microorganisms on/in the body that is causing an
adverse effect or host- response – the person is unwell and has signs
and symptoms of an infection
Infection prevention Processes to prevent and reduce to an acceptable minimum the risk of
the acquisition of an infection amongst patients, healthcare workers and
and control
any others in the healthcare setting
IPCT
Blood Borne Viruses
Infection Prevention and Control Team
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Mucocutaneous
Relating to the eye, mucous membranes of nose, mouth or non-intact
skin
Pathogenic
A medical term that describes micro-organisms that can cause some
kind of disease.
Percutaneous
The passage of substances through unbroken skin e.g. by needle
puncture
Risk Assessment
A process used to identify any potential hazards and analyse what could
happen, and to identify steps to be taken to reduce or minimise the risk.
Sharps injury
An exposure to blood or body fluids via a sharp implement
What are Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are all blood
borne viruses. These viruses can be transmitted when a needle or sharp object contaminated
with infected blood or body fluid penetrates the skin in the health care setting.
Blood Borne Viruses can also be found in other body fluids such as, urine, faeces, saliva,
semen, sputum, sweat, tears and vomit. The risk is minimal unless they are contaminated with
blood however care should still be taken as the presence of blood is not always obvious.
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Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): AIDS is the final stage of HIV
infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections that is manifested
by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to certain rare cancers,
especially Kaposi's sarcoma. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people
with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) – HIV is a virus that attacks the immune
system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease a retrovirus that causes
AIDS by infecting helper T cells of the immune system. The hallmark of HIV infection is the
gradual loss of helper T-lymphocytes from an infected person, ultimately leading to a state of
generalised immunodeficiency and AIDS. There are two types of human immunodeficiency
virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the large majority of global HIV infections
and cases of AIDS, whilst the relatively less common HIV-2 is mainly restricted to West
Africa
Hepatitis B – An infection of the liver caused by a virus spread by infected blood (as in
transfusions), contaminated hypodermic needles, sexual contact, or by contact with any
other body fluid
Hepatitis C – A virus that can infect the liver that is caused by an RNA virus is
transmitted primarily by blood and blood products, as in blood transfusions or
intravenous drug use, and sometimes through sexual contact
Hepatitis D - The hepatitis D virus, previously known as the 'delta agent', is a defective
virus, which can only infect and replicate in the presence of HBV
Other viruses that cause hepatitis (such as hepatitis A and E) are not usually passed on by
blood to blood contact and hence do not present a significant risk of blood-borne infection. A
patient/carer information leaflet is available in Appendix 3.
Blood Borne Viruses
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What is the Risk of Transmission to a Healthcare Worker?
Blood-borne viruses including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be transmitted from
patients to staff during health care procedures. The main risks are from transmission following:
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Percutaneous exposure to blood or body fluids from a needle stick injury or injury from a
contaminated sharp object
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Mucocutaneous exposure to blood or body fluids (to the eye, mucous membranes of
nose or mouth, or non-intact skin)
Percutaneous exposure presents the highest risk and exposure to blood is more significant
than exposure to other body fluids. Most cases of occupationally acquired HIV have followed
injury from a hollow needle in association with a procedure where a needle or cannula is
placed in a vein or artery.
The risk of transmission to a susceptible healthcare worker from an infected patient following
such an injury has been shown to be around:
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1 in 3 when a source patient is infected with HBV and is `e' antigen positive
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1 in 30 when the patient is infected with HCV
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1 in 300 when the patient is infected with HIV
There is no evidence that these infections can occur through social contact such as sharing
telephones or other office equipment.
The outcome of these infections depends on the particular virus: in the case of HIV, it can
progress to Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Hepatitis B and C infections may
clear up completely or lead to a chronic carrier, which can progress to cirrhosis of the liver.
BBV infections in psychiatric patients present the mental health services with a number of
challenges. Firstly, it is important that patients with BBV infection receive the same standard of
care as any other individual suffering from mental disorders. This means that mental health
workers should be educated and trained to manage, treat and prevent BBVs. In addition,
mental health workers should not display negative attitudes or have any fears when caring for
HIV positive patients. These patients should be cared for in the normal way. The transmission
of blood borne viruses, from patient-to-patient, or patient to health care workers can have
serious consequences not only for the person infected but also for the Trust because of health
and safety legislation. In spite of guidance and education, many health care workers continue
to be exposed to blood borne viruses from needlestick, sharp injuries and mucosal exposure.
Drug users and residents of long term institutions and those certain occupational groups have
a higher risk of infection. Hepatitis B is a preventable disease and the Department of Health
recommends that staff at risk should be vaccinated. This Trust encourages both staff and
patients to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
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Body Fluids that may Transmit Blood Borne Viruses
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Blood
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Peritoneal fluid
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Cerebrospinal fluid
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Pericardial fluid
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Pleural fluid
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Synovial fluid
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Breast milk
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Semen
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Amniotic fluid
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Other bodily fluids containing blood
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Vaginal secretions
Urine, faeces, saliva, sputum, tears, sweat and vomit, present a minimal risk of
blood-borne virus infection unless they are contaminated with blood. However, they
may be hazardous for other reasons.
There is good evidence that taking appropriate prophylaxis after an accidental exposure to
infected blood reduces the risk of being infected. N.B. in the event of a contamination incident
e.g. needlestick etc. refer to Infection Prevention and Control Assurance – Standard
Operating Procedure 8 - IPC SOP 8 - Sharps or Body Fluid Contamination Injury.
Key Points to Minimise the Risks of Infection
The best way of preventing transmission is to apply precautions to prevent exposure to body
fluids whether the patient is known to be infectious or not. Precautions should be based on the
likelihood of exposure to body fluid rather than the expected infectious status of the patient.
This approach is referred to as “Standard Precautions” [see Infection Prevention and
Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure 1 (IPC SOP 1) - Standard Infection
Control Precautions].
The risk of transmission of a blood-borne virus from patient to health care worker is generally
far greater than the risk of transmission from health care worker to patient. However, the
safety of the patient is paramount and the Trust and its employees have a responsibility to
protect patients from the risk of infection. In general terms, reducing the risk of transmission to
staff will also reduce the risk to patients.
Standard Precautions must be used for all patients, regardless of known infection, when
there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids. This negates the need for special procedures when
the client is known to be infected with a BBV. Isolation is not normally required unless the
patient poses a risk to others through antisocial or inappropriate behaviour with regards to
body fluids – patient centred advice can be sought from the IPCT.
Care should never be omitted or withheld solely because a client has or is suspected of having
a BBV.
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Effective hand washing is the single most important factor in preventing infection. Use
the soap provided, wash all areas of the hands, rinse thoroughly and dry with paper
towels. (See Hand Hygiene Policy)
Exercise great care with all sharps to prevent puncture wounds, cuts or abrasions
disposing of used sharps correctly and immediately after use
Protect existing wounds, skin rashes or lesions, conjunctivae and mucosal surfaces from
all blood and body fluids. When the use of sharps, is essential, exercise particular care in
handling and disposal of same
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Only use approved sharps containers. Never put needles or other sharps into hazardous
or household waste bags
Never re-sheath needles
Control surface contamination by blood or body fluids by containment and disinfection by
dealing with spillages promptly [see Infection Prevention and Control Assurance Standard Operating Procedure 7 (IPC SOP 7) - Decontamination - Cleaning,
Disinfection and Sterilisation]
Managers must:
 Ensure that a risk assessment is carried out with all BBV hazards identified, deciding
who might be harmed and how likely it is that BBVs could cause ill health at work
 Determine if existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done
 give employees adequate information, instruction and training on any risks to their
health from BBVs at work
 Record the findings of the risk assessment
 Review the adequacy of control of BBVs on a regular basis
 Record incidents involving exposure to blood and other body fluids, and report where
required
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Care of Patients with Known or Suspected
BBVs
When anticipated exposure to
blood/body fluids
PPE
Hand Hygiene
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Gloves
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Long-sleeved gown
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Risk assessment
Surgical face mask
Risk assessment
Eye protection
Risk assessment
Plastic apron
(risk of aerosol/splash)
(risk of aerosol/splash)
(risk of aerosol/splash)
N.B. Hand hygiene MUST always take place after removal of personal protective equipment.
Environmental cleaning is vitally important in preventing the spread of infection, the cleaning
regime incudes the standard daily clean. In the presence of blood spillage this must be
decontaminated immediately and correctly using 10,000 PPM available chlorine releasing
agent [see Infection Prevention and Control Assurance - Standard Operating Procedure
7 (IPC SOP 7) - Decontamination - Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilisation].
Healthcare workers infected with BBV
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All health care workers who have direct clinical care of patients have a duty to keep
themselves informed and updated on the codes of professional conduct and guidelines
on HIV infection laid down by their regulatory bodies
Any health care worker who has any reason to believe that they may be infected with any
blood-borne virus must promptly seek medical advice on the need for testing [See
Infection Prevention and Control Assurance – Standard Operating Procedure 8 IPC SOP 8 - Sharps or Body Fluid Contamination Injury]
Any health care worker who is infected with a blood-borne virus must cease exposure prone procedures immediately and seek advice from the Occupational Health Service
whether they are being treated by another doctor or not. They must not rely on their
Blood Borne Viruses
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own assessment of the risk that they pose to patients. Their confidentiality will be
protected by the Occupational Health Service
Health care workers infected with a blood-borne virus who continue to provide clinical
care must remain under regular Occupational Health supervision so they may receive
appropriate occupational advice if circumstances change. This is particularly important in
the case of HIV-infected workers
Infected health care workers who are appointed to new posts within or outside the Trust
should complete health questionnaires honestly
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Incident Reporting, Investigation and Action Plans
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All staff are responsible for reporting any incident or near miss in relation to an blood/body fluid
exposure incident testing [See Infection Prevention and Control Assurance – Standard
Operating Procedure 8 - IPC SOP 8 - Sharps or Body Fluid Contamination Injury]
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If a health care worker believes that they have, or may have performed, exposure - prone
procedures while infected with a blood-borne virus they, or their representative must
inform the Director of Public Health (Public Health England, Midlands and East) as soon
as possible, on a strictly confidential basis. Phone: 0344 225 3560 option 2 then option 3.
Out of hours for health professionals only: please phone 01384 679 031
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The Medical Director of the Trust should also be informed, with the consent of the health
care worker. In these circumstances everything possible will be done to protect the
confidentiality of the health care worker and their family. If consent is not given further
consultation will be required
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Managers are responsible for ensuring that a suitable investigation is carried out according
to the consequence of the incident and action plans are created and carried out in a suitable
time frame. The ward or team manager is also responsible for ensuring that the Datix report
contains a full history of the process followed on each occasion and the eventual outcome
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Managers are responsible for ensuring that incidents are investigated promptly, within the
timescales given in the Trusts standard reporting procedures
Where do I go for further advice or information?
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Infection Prevention and Control Team
Physical Health Matron
Your Service Manager, Matron, General Manager, Head of Nursing, Group Director
Your Group Governance Staff
Occupational Health Department (SWBH)
Training
Staff may receive training in relation to this procedure, where it is identified in their appraisal
as part of the specific development needs for their role and responsibilities. Please refer to the
Trust’s Mandatory and Risk Management Training Needs Analysis for further details on
training requirements, target audiences and update frequencies.
Monitoring / Review of this Procedure
In the event of planned change in the process(es) described within this document or an
incident involving the described process(es) within the review cycle, this SOP will be reviewed
and revised as necessary to maintain its accuracy and effectiveness.
Equality Impact Assessment
Please refer to overarching policy
Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act
Please refer to overarching policy.
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Appendix 1
Protocol for the Employment of Staff in Relation to Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)
General
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The Trust will adhere to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. In practice
this means the Trust will not discriminate against any applicant for a job solely on the
ground that a person is infectious with a blood-borne virus
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Appointed staff that are, or may be infectious with a blood-borne virus, must be assessed
by the Occupational Health Service prior to appointment to assess if they may pose a
risk to patients, and if so advise whether modification to work may avoid this risk. It
should be recognised that applicants who are infectious with a blood-borne virus will not
normally be able to undertake work involving exposure-prone procedures
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Any existing employee found to be infectious with a blood-borne virus will be offered
advice and support from the Occupational Health Service. Where they are unable to
continue with their normal employment advice on modification of their work, retraining or
redeployment will be recommended by the Occupational Health Service who can seek
advice from the UK Advisory Panel for Health Care Workers Infected with Blood-borne
Viruses. The health care worker’s confidentiality will be maintained by the Occupational
Health Service
Hepatitis B
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All employees who will, or may be expected to undertake exposure-prone procedures,
must provide suitable documentary evidence of their Hepatitis B immunity status, or
submit to a blood test taken by a doctor or nurse of the Occupational Health Service, to
determine their immune status before being accepted as fit for work. See Appendix 1
and 2 for further information
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Any blood samples for the purpose of establishing immunity status for exposure-prone
procedure work must be taken by the staff of the Occupational Health Service who may
ask for confirmation of identity of the applicant. Testing will follow national guidelines
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Any employee who is deemed to be infectious for Hepatitis B will not be permitted to
undertake exposure-prone procedures. This will include individuals who are Hepatitis B
e-antigen positive. Individuals who are Hepatitis e-antigen negative but surface antigen
positive will be considered on an individual basis taking into account current advice of the
Department of Health
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All new staff not previously vaccinated, who may be exposed to blood or body fluids, will
be offered Hepatitis B vaccination according to the Occupational Health Service
procedure, which is based on national guidelines
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Any member of staff who has been associated with the transmission of Hepatitis B to a
patient will not be allowed to continue exposure-prone procedures
Hepatitis C
At present there are no national guidelines on the employment of healthcare workers with
Hepatitis C.
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All appointed staff who have evidence of Hepatitis C infection will be assessed on an
individual basis by the Occupational Health Service before a decision is made on fitness
for work. See Appendix 1 and 2 for further information
Any member of staff who has been associated with the transmission of Hepatitis C to a
patient will not be allowed to continue exposure-prone procedures
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HIV
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Applicants who are infectious with HIV will be considered on an individual basis but will
not be allowed to enter jobs where exposure-prone procedures are required. See
Appendix 1 and 2 for further information
Any member of staff who has been associated with the transmission of HIV to a patient
will not be allowed to continue exposure-prone procedures
Practical Guidance on Notifying Patients in Relation to a BBV Infected Healthcare
Worker
In the event of an infected healthcare worker in direct contact with patients being identified, the
Medical Director will immediately inform the Director of Public Health or Consultant in
Communicable Diseases Control at the local Public Health England (PHE) area office.
Thereafter, the plan for notifying patients exposed to an infected healthcare worker by PHE
will be followed – this will be led by PHE.
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Appendix 2
Compensation for Occupationally Infected Healthcare Workers
National Health Service Injury Benefits Scheme
The NHS Injury Benefits Scheme provides temporary or permanent benefits for all NHS
employees who lose remuneration because of an injury or disease attributable to their NHS
employment. The scheme is also available to medical and dental practitioners.
Under the terms of the scheme it must be established that the injury or disease was acquired
during the course of work. Blood-borne disease cases will be treated no differently. The
scheme administrators would deal sympathetically with applications but work-related infection
would have to be established. A record of a specific injury and evidence of zero-conversion
are not regarded as essential but would be helpful in proving causation. Any health care
worker who suspects contamination of blood-borne disease infected patient is encouraged to
have serum sample taken at the time of injury for storage and possible future testing and
follow-up samples at appropriate intervals.
Each claim would be considered on its merit. The administrators would look carefully at the
circumstances surrounding the claim, taking note of the duties undertaken in the employment
and claimant’s description of how he or she thought the infection was contracted and the
medical evidence available. There would be no intrusive enquiries into personal lifestyle and
relationships. The Department’s medical advisers would then consider all the information
against the ways in which infection may be contracted. Where doubts existed, further expert
medical opinion would be sought and the claimant referred to a consultant specialising in
blood-borne diseases who would be asked to determine on balance of probability whether it
was more likely than not that the infection had been acquired in the course of NHS
employment.
Injury benefits are payable to infected workers, whether symptomatic or not, and are intended
to compensate for loss of earning ability. For those having to give up their employment the
scheme provides a guaranteed income of up to 85% of pre-injury NHS earnings. The benefits
are index linked. Temporary allowances are taxable but the permanent allowance payable on
retirement from service is not. If employment has to be terminated because of the relevant
injury or disease, a lump sum is also payable and where death occurs dependants’ benefits
are payable.
Further information is available on the web site: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/InjuryBenefitScheme.aspx
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Appendix 3
Sometimes patients are asked to have a test because a healthcare
worker has been exposed to the patients’ blood or body fluid, for
example following a needlestick injury – this is routine following this type
of incident.
Issue Date: XXX
Ref.No: XXX
Patients and visitors all have an important role to play in
preventing the spread of infection. Remember good hand
hygiene at all times especially when:
 entering and leaving the hospital, ward or department
 before eating and drinking
 after using the toilet, changing nappies or pads
 after having a cigarette
 after touching your pet e.g. any animal, reptile, bird or
fish
Information for patients and
carers
Department: XXX
Infection prevention and control is everyone’s responsibility.
Blood Borne Viruses
Author: XXX
Is there a vaccine for BBV infection?
A vaccine for HBV is available to protect anyone who is at increased risk
of infection. There is currently no vaccine for HCV or HIV infection.
Review Date: XXX
Is there any treatment for BBV?
Yes medications are available that can treat BBV’s with good results for
many patients. New treatments are continually being developed.
If you require further advice or information, please contact the Trust’s
Infection Prevention and Control Team or a member of the ward / department
staff.
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How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
For HBV infection it is usually about 11 weeks, but can be as long as 7 months.
For HCV infection it is usually about 10 weeks, but can be as long as 6 months.
Mild flu like symptoms can develop 2-6 weeks after infection with HIV, it may be
years before further symptoms then develop.
How do you know you have a BBV?
A blood test can check for HIV, HBV or HCV infection. Each virus has its own
blood tests that tell us different things about the infections.
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HIV - The first test is an antibody test detecting the body’s immune
reaction to the virus. If this test for HIV is positive it means that you are
infected with the virus. Other tests called the CD4 count and the viral
load will be then taken to see if the immune system has been damaged
yet and how much virus is in the blood.
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Hepatitis C - The first test is also an antibody test. If this is positive
another test (PCR or viral load) is carried out to see if the virus is still
present in the body. Up to 80% of infected people can become long
term carriers of this virus with risk of liver damage.
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Hepatitis B - A blood test works out if there is an ongoing infection. This
can also show if the person has fought off the infection and is now
protected against future Hepatitis B infection.
Some of these viruses take 3-6 months to show up in the blood – if you have
been at risk during this time you may be advised to get a repeat test even if your
first result is negative. If you put yourself at risk again you should consider
having a further test.
Why have a test?
All three viruses can cause serious illness and death after a long infection. In the
early stages many people feel well and do not realise that they are infected.
There is now treatment for Hepatitis B and C that can often cure the infection,
and treatment for HIV that can control it. The treatments can be difficult to take
and can have side-effects. For HIV, treatment will be lifelong but treatments are
improving all the time.
Knowing about an infection allows you to protect your health – for example by
stopping drinking alcohol if you have Hepatitis B or C. You can also protect
others from getting the infection from you, by avoiding unsafe sex and not
sharing injecting equipment. Women can also make choices about pregnancy
and protecting their unborn child from HIV and Hepatitis B.
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What is a Blood-borne virus?
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are viruses that can be carried in the blood and can
spread from one person to another through blood and other body fluids. The
most common BBVs are Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
How common are BBVs?
They are not very common. About 4 in every 1,000 people in the UK may be
Hepatitis C carriers and around 3 people in every 1,000 may be Hepatitis B
carriers. About 1 in every 1,000 people may be HIV carriers.
How are BBVs spread?
BBVs are spread when the blood or body fluids from an infected person gets
into the bloodstream of another person. They are passed between people
through:
 unprotected sex heterosexual or homosexual
 from mother to baby, before or during birth.
 sharing of any injecting equipment including needles, syringes, spoons,
filters and water when injecting drugs
 blood to blood contact from an infected person e.g. in a fight
 unsterile medical treatment
 unsterile body piercing or tattoos
HIV and Hepatitis B are more common in men who have sex with men and in
people who have lived abroad, especially in Southern Africa, the Far East and
Eastern Europe. Hepatitis C is common in drug users who have ever injected.
Hepatitis C is less likely to be transmitted through sex.
Blood-borne viruses cannot be spread through normal day-to-day things like
holding hands, coughing, sneezing, sharing toilets, or using crockery and
kitchen utensils.
What are the symptoms of BBVs?
People who have HBV or HCV infection may have little or no symptoms, others
may experience symptoms which include tiredness, abdominal pain nausea,
vomiting and jaundice (a condition in which the whites of the eyes go yellow and
in more severe cases the skin also turns yellow). People who have HIV infection
can experience flu like illness 2-6 weeks after being infected. These symptoms
disappear after about 2 weeks and HIV may not cause any symptoms for many
years. However the virus continues to be active and causes progressive
damage to the immune system.
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Standard Operating Procedure Details
Unique Identifier for this SOP is
BCPFT-COI-POL-05-27
State if SOP is New or Revised
New
Policy Category
Control of Infection
Executive Director
whose portfolio this SOP comes under
Policy Lead/Author
Job titles only
Committee/Group Responsible for
Approval of this SOP
Executive Director of Nursing, AHPs and
Governance
Infection Prevention and Control Team
Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Month/year consultation process
completed
June 2016
Month/year SOP was approved
July 2016
Next review due
July 2019
Disclosure Status
‘B’ can be disclosed to patients and the public
Review and Amendment History
Version
1.0
Date
July 2016
Blood Borne Viruses
Description of Change
New Procedure established to supplement Infection Control
Assurance Policy
Page 13 of 13
Version 1.0 July 2016