Purpose:
- To provide guidelines for students exposed to blood or body fluids.
- To define the term exposure as it applies to this policy as "a person's contact with any bodily substances from another human being."
Procedure for the Exposed Student to Follow IMMEDIATELY
- If you experience: An exposure to blood or body fluids such as a needle stick, splash of blood or body fluid onto/into mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, etc.) or open skin, or other blood or body fluid exposure, you must:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water immediately.
- Flush mucous membranes with water immediately.
- Notify your supervisor/instructor immediately after washing and flushing.
- Your supervisor/instructor should immediately notify their supervisor, so that the source information can be collected in a timely fashion.
- Report immediately to your healthcare provider or to the Emergency Department. The student's accident insurance may be used to defray expenses related to this incident.
- The supervisor/instructor must fill out an Incident Report immediately according to the clinical site policy. Make sure the brand of needle/sharp is identified on that report. OSHA requires it.
By following these steps, you will receive appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.
Early intervention is imperative. For your safety and well-being, do not wait to report an exposure… Interventions will begin as soon as you report it! REPORT IMMEDIATELY!