Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure and Protocol
Students are required to complete training regarding bloodborne pathogen exposure at multiple points in their medical education. This is reinforced during students’ third-year Surgery and Internal Medicine clerkships.
It is the responsibility of the student to report sharps injuries, needle sticks, or other potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens via blood or body fluids immediately to the supervisor at the facility where the accident occurs.
In the event that the student contracts a communicable disease which potentially poses a risk to patients or co-workers (e.g. tuberculosis, varicella), steps will be taken to prevent dissemination in accordance with Student Health, Public Health and/or CDC protocols. Certain communicable diseases may also be reported to county or state health authorities, as required by law.
POTENTIAL BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURES
University of Florida’s Occupational Health Program has a dedicated phone line for UF faculty, staff, resident house staff and students who experience a bloodborne pathogen exposure (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV).
This hotline will ensure that all UF employees and students with a needle stick exposure have immediate access to a medical provider. During regular work hours, an operator from the Student Health Care Center (SHCC) will immediately forward the caller to a medical provider. The provider will collect the exposure and history, arrange for laboratory studies, decide on post-exposure treatment if necessary, and recommend follow-up as appropriate. Afterhours and on weekends, persons with exposure will be triaged to the closest Emergency Room for management.
Follow-up laboratory work and counseling will be conducted by the SHCC Occupational Medicine team (392-294-5700), located in the Dental Tower in room D2-49. Additional Needle Stick information can be found on the Student Health Care Center site. Questions or comments about this program may be directed to SHCC at 352-265-2727.
NEEDLESTICK PROTOCOL (JAX)
If the injury/exposure occurs in JAX (during or after normal business hours), report immediately to the UF Health Jacksonville Emergency Department and identify yourself as a medical student. For additional information, please refer to the https://med.jax.ufl.edu/medical-student-education/handbook/needlestick-injuries/.
NEEDLESTICK PROCEDURES (EXTERNSHIPS/NON-UF SITE)
In the event of an exposure to an infectious or environmental hazard while at the HOST AGENCY, the HOST AGENCY, upon notice of such incident from the student, should provide emergency care. If after normal business hours (or the HOST AGENCY is not cooperative) go to the nearest emergency room.
NEEDLESTICK INSURANCE/BILLING PROCEDURES
Students are responsible for submitting any tests and treatments to your insurance company first. However, if the charges are not covered by the company, the College of Medicine will pay the expenses. No student will suffer any financial hardship as a result of an occupational injury. In the event of financial assistance is needed, students may contact the Office of Student Affairs.
If a student’s health insurance carrier has finally determined that it will not cover a medically appropriate course of prophylactic treatment for the student’s potential exposure to HIV (which exposure occurred in the course of the student’s college studies and activities), the College will assist the student and pay for the treatment. A student may request the College’s assistance by discussing their situation with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.