What is the immediate action to take if exposed to blood?

If you are exposed to blood, the immediate action to take is to wash the exposed area with soap and water. This is critical for minimizing the risk of infection and potential transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Immediately cleansing the area helps to remove any contaminants that may be present on the skin, significantly reducing the chances of virus or bacteria entering through any breaks or cuts.

Washing with soap and water should be done as soon as possible after exposure. It is essential to thoroughly wash the area for at least 15 minutes to ensure that any potential infectious agents are effectively removed.

Following this, it is also important to document the incident and report it to the appropriate authorities within your institution, such as a supervisor or infection control officer. However, the priority after the exposure is to ensure that the contaminated area is cleaned promptly.