Which exposure type includes direct contact with contaminated needles or sharps?

The correct choice pertains to percutaneous exposures, which specifically refer to incidents where instruments such as needles or other sharp objects penetrate the skin. This type of exposure is highly relevant in healthcare settings where needles are used for procedures, vaccinations, or drawing blood, as they pose a significant risk of transmitting infections if they are contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Understanding this concept is crucial, especially since percutaneous injuries can lead to serious bloodborne pathogen infections, such as hepatitis B and C or HIV. This highlights the importance of using safety-engineered sharp devices, adhering to proper disposal protocols, and following infection control guidelines to mitigate these risks.

By recognizing that percutaneous exposures involve a direct breach of the skin barrier through a contaminated sharp, it becomes clear why this answer is vital in the context of infection control practices.