Needle Stick Policy
Bloodborne Pathogen- Occupational Exposure ProtocolRotations Within the Commonwealth of Kentucky
If you come in contact with another person's blood or body fluid (e.g., through a needlestick injury or mucous membrane splash), take the following steps IMMEDIATELY.
1. Perform basic first aid:
a. Clean the wound, skin, or mucous membrane IMMEDIATELY with soap and running water. Allow blood to flow freely from the wound. Do not attempt to squeeze or "milk" blood from the wound.
b. If exposure is to the eyes, flush eyes with water or normal saline solution for several minutes.
2. At any training site (UK or off-site) IMMEDIATELY contact University Health Services at 859-323-2778, UHS is responsible for your overall care. To the degree possible, know if your source has risk factor for HIV or Hepatitis. If University Health Service is NOT OPEN, contact the on-call University Health Service Physician immediately by calling 859-323-5321 and ask the operator to page the University Health Service on-call physician immediately. When the physician returns your call, inform him or her that you have had a bloodborne pathogen exposure. Have source patient health information at hand.
Source patient testing will be organized by University Health Service (for patients at UK) and bt the course director (for off-site students). Do not attempt to have your own blood drawn. Proper samples will be obtainted by University Health Service personnel at the time of your visit OR you will be advised where to have your blood drawn by your course doctor.
3. Students within rotation within 50 miles of campus will receive ALL care at University Health Service. Students more than 50 miles from campus may, or may not, have care initiated at their rotation site. Contact your course director. ALL STUDENTS will have ALL follow-up care at UHS. Appointments can be made with University Health Service at 859-323-2778. When reporting to University Health Service, the student must take a completed Reportable Occurrence form and completed Occupational Exposure form. For students on rotation at UK, these forms are available at the nursing units. Off-site students may obtain these forms from the course director.
4. If the University Health Service physician prescribes prophylactic medication, he or she will advise you of the dispensing location. For on-site students and students in the immediate Lexington area, this will usually be through the UK pharmacy. For students more than 50 miles away from UK campus, pharmacies have been identified in coordination with the AHEC site coordinators. You will be informed of this pharmacy site at clerkship orientation.
5. At the time of exposure, the student must also report the exposure to the attending physician or resident. Off-site students must also notify the course director.
PHONE NUMBERS: UK HEALTH SERVICES (Open Hours) 859-323-2778. After Hours On-Call Physician 859-323-5321.
The complete policy on Educational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens is available at:
www.uky.edu/provost/documents/documents.php
