Needlestick Protocol

In the event of a needlestick, splash exposure, or other body fluid contact:

1. Decontaminate the area of exposure with soap and water.
2. Call your supervising resident to inform him/her of the event in order so that he/she can provide coverage of your patients.
3. Call the Chief Resident On Call for all needlesticks.
4. Go immediately to Occupational Health on Harkness 2 during business hours or to the ER during nights / weekends / holidays. A hospital incident report will need to be completed (by the ER or OHS) for every needlestick.
5. Appropriate baseline labs will be drawn, and you will discuss with Health Services or the ER attending the need for HIV prophylaxis depending on the exposure type.
6. Follow-up tests will be scheduled through Occupational Health.
7. If the initial evaluation happens in the ED, one should still follow-up at OHS to close the loop and to ensure that the hospital does not submit a bill for services to the insurance carrier.