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Exposure prone procedures (EPPs)
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EPP work includes:
Surgery
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Dentistry
Emergency Medicine
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EPPs are those procedures where the worker's gloved hands may be in contact with sharp instruments, needle tips or sharp tissues (e.g. bone or teeth) inside a patient's open body cavity or wound, where the hands or fingertips may not be completely visible at all times. A sharps injury to the healthcare worker undertaking an EPP may result in the patient being contaminated with the blood of the healthcare worker, with risk of infection.
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May present problems for individuals who are not fit to perform EPPs e.g. doctors or dentists infected with HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
Individual assessment required depending on type of blood borne virus and job role. Would require specialist Occupational Health advice
See
HIV Infected Healthcare Workers: Guidance on Management and Patient Notification. Department of Health July 2005
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