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BHSU Needlestick Exposures and Injuries

Exposures to blood/body fluids and other potentially infectious materials should be reported immediately to your preceptor/supervisor.

What is classified as an exposure to blood/body fluids?
An exposure occurs when there is a puncture, scratch, laceration, splash, prolonged skin contact or contact with broken skin involving blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.
What kinds of body fluids and materials are potentially infectious?
Body fluids of concern include: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, and other body fluids visibly contaminated with blood. Any unfixed tissue or organ from a human is potentially infectious as are cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and culture medium or other solutions from experimental animals infected with HIV or hepatitis B.
What should I do if I am exposed?

If you are exposed to someone's blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials, do not ignore this exposure. Care following exposures should be sought as soon as possible.

Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Take appropriate first aid measures (clean wound with soap and water; flush mucous membranes with water/saline for 15 minutes).
  2. If possible, obtain the source’s HIV, Hep B, and Hep C status.
  3. Notify your supervisor/preceptor or clinical designee.
  4. Report in person to University Health Services Employee Health during normal business hours, at 910 Madison Ave, 9th Floor. Call UHS to notify prior to arrival (901.448.5630).
  5. If the exposure occurs when UHS is closed, go the nearest urgent care or Emergency Department (ED). You are responsible for any cost incurred.

 

Follow up care can be scheduled at UHS but will be filed to insurance.  

Contact University Health Services at 901.448.5630 or email to eohs@uthsc.edu if you have questions.

Helpful Links

Several resources are available that provide guidance to the healthcare provider regarding the management of occupational exposures. These resources include:

  • PEPline is run by UCSF and supported by multiple agencies. Phone: 888.448.4911.
  • CDC for reporting occupationally acquired HIV infections and failures of PEP. Phone: 800.893.0485
  • The HIV Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry Phone: 800.258.4263
  • FDA report unusual or severe toxicity to antiretroviral agents. Call FDA at 1.800.FDA.1088
  • HIV/AIDS treatment Information Services Internet:
  • Hepatitis Hotline phone: 888.443.7232
Mar 27, 2025