Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens Guidelines for Stritch School of Medicine Students:

This document establishes the procedures and financial obligations students face if they may have been exposed to blood borne pathogens (BBP) through blood or other body fluids (by a needle stick, cut, splash, bite or other method of exposure). Since some prophylaxis is most effective if given immediately after exposure, it is to your benefit to immediately report this exposure and take the following actions without delay.

Please click HERE to find a flow chart of the procedures to follow in the event of a needletick or exposure incident.

IF THE EXPOSURE OCCURS AT A CLERKSHIP OR ROTATION SITE AWAY FROM LUMC:

1. Wash needlestick or sharps injuries and cuts immediately with soap and water. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline or sterile irrigants.
2. Notify your supervisor and charge nurse of the clinical area and ask them to source test the patient (to ensure blood is drawn immediately on the source patient).
3. Contact the site’s employee/occupational health service immediately.
4. If the site does not have the above service or it is closed, go to the site’s designated Emergency Department.
5. FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE AT AN AWAY SITE’S DESIGNATED EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR INSURANCE INFORMATION.
6. Follow up with the Wellness Center within 24 hours by calling 773-508-8883.

If you are billed by the site, the initial co-pay for treatment and source testing can be covered by Student Affairs if appropriate documentation is provided and all reporting and protocols are followed. Follow up care through the Wellness Center is covered 100%. Students seeking follow up care elsewhere may do so using their insurance and are responsible for bills thereafter.