University Health Services

Occupational Exposures at University Health Services

Needlesticks
Get more information on occupational exposures from needlesticks, sharps injuries, splashes, etc. (accessible by Jefferson staff and students only)

What to Do for an Occupational Exposure to Body Fluids (needlestick or splash)
If you have sustained an exposure to a body fluid from one of your patients, please follow the instructions below.

1. Wash the exposed area with soap and water. DO NOT USE BLEACH.
2. If a fluid splashed in your eye, rinse with tap water or with sterile saline.
3. If a fluid splashed in your eye, remove your contacts immediately.
4. Advise your supervisor that you have been exposed.
5. Complete the accident report and have your supervisor sign it.
6. Report to UHS at 833 Chestnut St, Suite 205 (when UHS is closed report to the Emergency Department) as soon as possible. Important: DO NOT wait until the end of your shift; if antiviral medication is required, the CDC recommends taking the initial dose within 2 hours of the exposure.
7. Know your patient's name and MR# as well as the name of the attending physician of the source patient.
8. Physicians ordering post exposure testing on source patients should choose "exposure panel-source patient" in the A-Z directory of laboratory tests in JeffChart. This is the only testing needed for source patients and includes a stat HIV, Hepatitis C antibody, and Hepatitis B surface antigen. Written informed consent is necessary for HIV testing.

If you are a Jefferson student at an affiliate, please call our office as soon as possible. If we are closed, you should report to the affiliate's Emergency Department for evaluation and treatment. You must then contact our office as a priority the next business day.