NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE AND/OR BODY FLUID PATHOGEN EXPOSURE
The policy/procedures are posted in the 2022- 2023 Bulletin on the Student Health & Safety Policy page. The policy has been approved by the policy subcommittee.
Needle Stick Procedure
- Cleanse the wound immediately with soap and water. If a mucous membrane has been exposed, rinse with copious amounts of water.
- Identify the source of exposure.
- Notify Occupational Health immediately following self-care. The source patient will be evaluated for HIV, HBV and HCV. Do no allow the source patient to lease until you report the exposure to Occupational Health. The physician in charge of the case is responsible for acquiring patient consent for testing. The student will notify the physician. All source patient charges will be the responsibility of Student Health Services. Report immediately by calling Occupational Health Service at 314-362-3528 M-F 8:00am – 4:00pm or after hours 877-767-8397.
- Complete the Injury/Exposure Report form.
- Student Health Services will review with your follow-up treatment. Individuals will be evaluated for the following:
- HIV or serum sample save
- HBV vaccination
- Hepatitis B surface antibody testing (a positive test in the past eliminates the need for further testing)
- HCV vaccination
- Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination
- Post-exposure prophylaxis
Exposure to Blood or Body Fluid Procedure
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Wash needle sticks and cut areas with soap and water.
- Flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with water.
- Irrigate the eyes with clean water or saline for 15 minutes.
- Identify the source of exposure. Keep the source or patient available for HIV, HBV antigen and HCV testing.
- Call Student Health Services for further instructions.
- Follow the instructions given by Student Health Services. Complete an incident report.