Hijama Safety & Sterilization Flashcards

After a wet hijama session, the practitioner notices blood has splattered onto an uncovered forearm. The correct action is to:

Answer: Immediately wash the area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and report the exposure

Any blood-to-skin exposure (especially on mucous membranes or non-intact skin) must be washed immediately with soap and water and reported as a potential occupational exposure.

Which ventilation practice is recommended in a hijama treatment room to reduce airborne contamination risk?

Answer: Maintaining adequate air exchange with at least 6–10 air changes per hour or HVAC ventilation

Adequate air exchange (6–10 changes per hour per healthcare facility guidelines) dilutes airborne contaminants and reduces pathogen accumulation in the treatment space.

Cupping over the kidney region (lower back) requires extra caution primarily because:

Answer: Excessive suction can cause underlying organ trauma or bruising in vulnerable clients

The kidney region has less muscular protection, and overly aggressive cupping can cause bruising or injury to the underlying renal tissue, particularly in clients with compromised kidney health.

A pregnant client in her first trimester requests a hijama session. What is the safest approach?

Answer: Defer the session or obtain physician clearance, as first trimester is a contraindicated period

Pregnancy, especially the first trimester, is a contraindication for hijama; the practitioner should defer or require physician clearance before proceeding.

What is the correct way to remove contaminated gloves after a wet hijama session to prevent self-contamination?

Answer: Grasp one glove at the wrist, peel it off turning it inside-out, then remove the second glove with bare fingers tucked inside

The standard technique is to peel the first glove inside-out from the wrist, hold it in the gloved hand, then use bare fingers under the cuff to remove the second glove, keeping all contaminated surfaces contained.

Which organization sets the bloodborne pathogen standard that most directly governs hijama practitioners operating as employees in the United States?

Answer: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) legally requires employers and covered workers to implement exposure control plans when working with blood or OPIM.

What is the primary reason practitioners should document the cup placement sites, suction levels, and session duration for each client?

Answer: To maintain accurate records for client safety, continuity of care, and liability protection

Thorough session documentation supports safe follow-up care, enables pattern recognition for adverse events, and provides legal protection if a client complaint arises.