Which statement regarding employee bloodborne pathogen exposure incidents is incorrect?

The statement about the source patient needing to submit to HIV and HBV testing within 48 hours is incorrect. In practice, while it is critical to evaluate potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, there are often specific protocols regarding the evaluation and testing of source patients that can vary by state and healthcare facility policies. Testing may not always be mandated within such a tight timeframe and can depend on legal and ethical considerations regarding patient consent.

Immediate reporting of the incident is essential for ensuring that appropriate follow-up measures and notifications are made, ultimately protecting the health of the exposed employee and others. Maintaining proper documentation is crucial in these scenarios as it provides a record of the incident for future reference and standardizes the response to such occurrences. Furthermore, providing additional training to the employee after an exposure incident is beneficial, as it enhances their understanding of safety procedures and prevention strategies moving forward.