Evaluation Following Exposure to Human Blood/Body Fluids
Take the Following Steps After Exposure to Human Blood/Body Fluids
Needlesticks or cuts
Clean wound with soap and water immediately for two minutes.
Splashes
Flush mucous membranes with clean water.
For eye exposure: remove contacts if present and flush eyes using an eye wash station for a minimum of five minutes. If you are unsure where to find an eye wash station, start flushing with tap water or sterile eye irrigant immediately for five minutes while an eye wash station is located.
Notify your supervisor so they can assist with providing work coverage while the exposure is evaluated.
If post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment is needed, it should be started within two hours after the exposure.
If the source patient is known, have the source patient’s name and hospital number when calling for evaluation. Do not let the source patient leave until you speak to someone on the STICK line.
Go to Personal Tab – Benefits section, click “Workers Compensation – First Report of Injury” link, and follow the directions to complete the form.
Click “Submit” at the end of the form.
Click on the PSN icon located on any UI Health Care desktop screen, or locate it on The Point homepage by clicking “Everyday Tools and Resources” link and locating the “Patient Safety Net (PSN)” link.
If you have questions on how to find or complete it, please talk with your supervisor.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure
University Employee Health Clinic provides immediate evaluation and treatment of employees exposed to blood or body fluids (i.e. needle sticks). Employees with possible exposure to HIV or hepatitis are urged to seek evaluation immediately since early prophylaxis may be indicated. The Emergency Department will evaluate employees when the UEHC is not open; however, all follow-ups should be done by the UEHC. Refer toBloodborne Pathogens (internal link) in Infection Control Manual.
A confidential medical evaluation is performed, which includes an evaluation of the exposure, counseling, post-exposure medication, baseline and post-exposure lab testing, immunizations/immunoglobulin, scheduled follow-up appointments, informing person of lab results. Certain forms must also be completed:
Employee must fill out the Workers Compensation – First Report of Injury Form – Available on Employee Self Service under the Benefits tab.
Employee and UEHC must complete a description of the incident at the UEHC, which is placed in their UEHC medical record.
Source identification and blood testing are performed if possible and results are shared with exposed employee. Consent for testing the source is performed by a member of the primary care physician team in accordance with hospital policy.
