Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Student or visiting student

All exposures to human blood and body fluids to be reported immediately to Student Health Services. The Health Service maintains a 24-hour reporting system. During working hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the office can be reached at (314) 362-3523. After working hours, the Health Service can be contacted through a digital beeper at #871-2966.

Bloodborne pathogen exposure protocol

Immediately following exposure:

  •  Needle sticks and cuts – wash with soap and water
  • Splash to nose, mouth or skin – flush with water
  • Splash to eyes – irrigate with water or sterile irrigants.
  • Let your resident or preceptor know you are expected to seek medical attention immediately and
  • Notify Student Health Service immediately
  • Wound cleansing, dT booster if needed
  • Source HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV testing

Evaluate for post-exposure prophylaxis:

  • baseline testing at Student Health Service
  • Safe sex, birth control after HBsAg+HIV+ and HIV+ exposure
  • Student Health Service f/u with serologic f/u @ 1.5, 3,6, & 12 months

Additional information

BJH BBP Exposure Control Plan 2011

BJH-BBP policy 2014

BBP Prevention card print

Sharps safety education program

What should I do if I am exposed to the blood or body fluid of a patient?

1.  Immediately following an exposure to blood:

  •      Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water
  •       Flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with water
  •       Irrigate eyes with clean water or saline
  •       Notify Studnet Health Service immediately

 

2.   Keep the source or patient available for HIV, Hepatitis B antigen, and Hepatitis C ab testing. Notify your resident, preceptor, or attending to arrange for prompt counseling and testing of the source patient. Getting the source patient tested can potentially save you a month of prophylaxis and drug side effects, and many months of anxiety.

3.   Students contact Student Health Services (314) 362-3523. After hours, please call (314) 871-2966 and listen carefully for instructions.

All expenses related to reported exposures are covered by your Student Health Service benefits.