Needlestick Exposure Protocol

Access to assessment, counseling, and treatment will be available to medical students incurring exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids or blood via needle sticks or other accidental contacts.

In the event of an exposure, medical students should immediately inform their supervisor and/or clinical course/clerkship director and, when indicated, treat the exposure site:

• Wash the exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure.
• Flush exposed mucus membranes with water.
• Flush eyes with at least 500 ml of water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes.
• Do not apply disinfectants, antibiotics, or caustic agents to the wound.
• Proceed to the Emergency Department for further first aid as needed.
• Students must contact the CDU risk manager and Office of Student Affairs at exposure@cdrewu.edu for further guidance regarding the procedures for care and treatment, including post-exposure counseling and follow-up.

Submission of fees and expenses related to follow-up for student CDU exposure are the responsibility of the student and should be submitted to the student’s health insurance carrier for payment. All CDU students are required to maintain active health insurance to cover health needs related to such exposure. Worker’s Compensation is not applicable for students.

For any medical fees and expenses related to exposure not covered by the student’s health insurance will be covered by CDU. A request for payment or reimbursement must be submitted by email along with an itemized bill, Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from

insurance company, and a paid receipt to the Office of Students Affairs within 30 days from the date the student’s insurance claim is approved/denied.

If a needle stick or exposure occurs while a student is on an away elective, immediate evaluation and treatment will be available within the guidelines and policies of that institution or facility. Students may be referred to a local emergency department. Students are encouraged to contact the CDU risk manager or their primary care physician for reporting and follow-up as soon as they are able to do so. Any treatment or laboratory costs associated with the initial exposure management and treatment should be submitted to the student’s healthcare insurer. Students on an away elective should follow the above procedures for reimbursement of uncovered medical expenses. Visiting medical students are responsible for the costs of their evaluation, testing, and treatment.

Click Here to Access the Incident Report Form

Also see the policy: Medical Student Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards Policy.