Preventive Measures

• Do not recap needles.
• Place used sharp instruments into sharps container immediately after use.
• Keep hands out of container.
• Wear gloves and protective eyewear as needed.
• Be alert when assisting at procedures.

If a needlestick, splash, or other body fluid exposure occurs:

• Decontaminate - Wash skin (affected area) with soap and water. Flush eyes/nose/mouth with water or saline.
• Notify supervisor immediately.
• Come to or call SHS at 747-9508 immediately if exposure occurs Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. After hours call the Healthcare Hotline at 1-800-269-8478 for instructions.

Procedure for obtaining source blood

• Known Source
• Obtain informed consent from source for HIV testing (located on Pathology/Microbiology IV Form).
• If source is under general anesthesia or comatose, general consent will suffice.
• If source refuses consent, notify UTMB Legal Department at (409) 772-4818.
• Obtain two (2) serum separator tubes of blood.
• Use lab slip "Source of Occupational Exposure" or miscellaneous slip stating "Source of Occupational Exposure".
• Document in source's medical record "source of occupational exposure" and indicate labs were drawn for HIV, HCV, and HBsAg with source's consent.
• Send blood with informed consent to Laboratory's Main Receiving, 5th floor McCullough Bldg.