"Guidelines for Handling Blood and Body Fluids" refers to the "Universal Precautions" measures one takes to prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and HIV. They are called universal because they are recommended whenever there is potential exposure to blood or body fluids of another individual whose infection status is most likely unknown.
Bloodborne diseases can be transmitted from an infected individual to another when there is sufficient contact between the infected individual's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or blood-containing fluid and another's non-intact skin or mucous membranes. These diseases can also be transmitted through a puncture wound with a contaminated needle or sharp object. Middlebury College therefore recommends the following for the handling of blood and body fluids:
Barrier methods such as gloves are strongly recommended whenever someone is at risk for direct exposure to another individual's blood or body fluids. The Health Center will provide gloves to anyone who requests them, free of charge. Members of the custodial staff should wear latex gloves when cleaning bathrooms. The custodial staff should disinfect reuseable gloves after contact with blood and body fluids.
Good handwashing is important after any potential contact with blood or body fluids, even if gloves are worn. If you get blood or body fluids on your skin, wash well with copious amounts of soap and water. If you come into direct contact with blood or body fluids, we recommend speaking with a nurse at the Health Center.
Procedures for the decontamination of environmental surfaces and objects soiled by blood or body fluids should be adopted and implemented. The Public Health Service recommends the cleaning of contaminated surfaces with a household bleach (Clorox) and freshly diluted 1:10 - 1:100 in water. Students should contact the Custodial staff at ext. 5243 to clean any blood spills, rather than attempting to clean it themselves. If it is after-hours or on the weekend, Department of Public Safety should be contacted.
Extreme caution should be exercised in disposing of needles. Students and employees may obtain an infectious waste container from the Health Center, if needed.
Laboratory courses requiring exposure to blood such as finger pricks for blood typing or examination should use disposable equipment. No lancets or blood-letting devices should be reused or shared.
No student is required to obtain or process the blood
of others.
- Implements that may become contaminated with blood such as razors, toothbrushes, or tweezers should never be shared by individuals.