–The ICU has followed all standard procedures for such an incident, explained Camilla Andersson, area manager for primary care in Skellefteå.
A patient in the ICU dislodged their IV, resulting in a blood spill. The blood spurted into the eyes and mouth of a healthcare worker
– The reason for the incident is that the patient had motor agitation, says Camilla Andersson, the area manager for primary care in Skellefteå.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection that can cause chronic liver inflammation. Infected individuals can carry the virus for a long time, and in some cases, for life. The virus is transmitted when infected blood enters another person's bloodstream. Therefore, the healthcare worker who came into contact with the blood will need to undergo testing at multiple intervals over the next six months.
– So far, no tests have come back positive, says Andersson.
The ICU has taken measures following the incident to prevent a recurrence.
– There are new procedures in place for handling patients with motor agitation. Additionally, face shields will now be used in similar situations.
The incident occurred in July and has been reported to Arbetsmiljöverket (Swedish Work Environment Authority).