NCJ Number
124298
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 17 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 26,42-43
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how the AIDS virus is transmitted and suggests steps police officers should take to protect themselves against AIDS infection in the course of their duties.
Abstract
AIDS is transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person, through nondigestive exposure to blood or blood products from an infected person, and from an infected mother to child in the uterus or during the birthing process. Police officers are most likely to be exposed to AIDS in the course of their duties through contact with blood or blood products from an infected person. Officers should wear new gloves when touching blood and bodily fluids and dispose of the gloves after contact. If there is a potential for blood splashes, also wear masks, eye covers, or medical gowns. If hands or skin become contaminated, wash immediately with hot, soapy water. Clean any contaminated surfaces, including equipment, with a fresh solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water. Dispose of and store all needles and sharp instruments in puncture-resistant containers and place a warning label on the container. Clothing contaminated with blood or bodily fluids should be removed as soon as possible and either washed or dry cleaned separately from other items.