IBSC Certified Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO-C) Certification Practice Exam

When is intact skin contact with blood considered a 'significant exposure'?

Only when the skin is non-intact (cut, rash, dermatitis) Always considered significant exposure Never considered significant exposure Only if contact lasts more than 15 minutes

Correct Answer:

Only when the skin is non-intact (cut, rash, dermatitis)

Explanation:

Intact skin acts as a barrier to bloodborne pathogens, so exposure is not considered significant unless the skin is compromised. When there is a break in the skin—such as a cut, abrasion, dermatitis, or other non-intact areas—blood can enter through that breach, making the exposure significant and requiring prompt reporting and post-exposure actions. The idea that it’s always significant, never significant, or depends on how long contact lasts isn’t correct because the key factor is whether the skin is intact or not.

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