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

  1. Cleanse the wound immediately with soap and water. If a mucous membrane has been exposed, rinse with copious amounts of water.
  2. Identify the source of exposure.
  3. Call Student Health Services for further instructions. The source patient will be evaluated for HIV, HBV and HCV. The physician in charge of the case is responsible for acquiring patient consent for testing. The employee or student will notify the physician. All source patient charges will be the responsibility of Student Health Services.
  4. Complete the Injury/Exposure Report form.
  5. Employees and students will report to Student Health Services for follow-up treatment. Individuals will be evaluated for the following:
    1. HIV or serum sample save
    2. HBV vaccination
    3. Hepatitis B surface antibody testing (a positive test in the past eliminates the need for further testing)
    4. HCV vaccination
    5. Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination
    6. Post-exposure prophylaxis

Exposure to Blood or Body Fluid Procedure

  1. Clean the area with soap and water.
    1. Wash needle sticks and cut areas with soap and water.
    2. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with water.
    3. Irrigate the eyes with clean water or saline for 15 minutes.
  2. Identify the source of exposure. Keep the source or patient available for HIV, HBV antigen and HCV testing.
  3. Call Student Health Services for further instructions.
  4. Follow the instructions given by Student Health Services. Complete an incident report.