If you have been exposed to human blood/body fluids or substance, please take the following steps.

A body substance exposure is defined as, a percutaneous injury (e.g., a needlestick or cut with a sharp object) or contact of mucous membrane or non-intact skin (e.g., exposed skin that is chapped, abraded or afflicted with dermatitis) with human blood, tissue or other body fluids that are potentially infectious.

1. Immediately following an exposure:

  • Needle sticks or cuts
    Clean wound with soap and water immediately.
  • Splashes
    Flush mucous membranes with clean water.
    For eye exposure: remove contacts if present and flush eyes using an eye wash station. If you are unsure where to find an eye wash station, start flushing with tap water or normal saline.

2. DO NOT LET THE SOURCE PATIENT BE DISCHARGED BEFORE REPORTING!

  • If HIV post exposure treatment is recommended it should be started as soon as possible; preferably within two hours.

3. Immediately Report to WashU

  • WashU faculty, fellows and staff:
    Contact WashU Occupational Health at 314-362-3528.
  • WashU students:
    Contact WashU Student Health Services at 314-362-3523 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, weekends, and WashU holidays contact the BSE after-hours hotline at 877-767-8397

Information to report

Source patient’s name and date of birth

Sharp device name & brand involved in injury

Type of exposure and how it happened