UCR Post-Exposure Protocol

UCR Post-Exposure Protocol
(Adopted by the UCR Institutional Biosafety Committee July 18, 2002)
Revised Feb. 4, 2005

Immediate Response Protocol for Needlestick or Exposure to Human or Primate Blood, Body Fluids, Tissues, or Other Potentially Infectious Materials  

Prompt evaluation is critical if a person has been exposed (by needlestick, splash, or direct contact) to human or primate blood, body fluids, or other materials that potentially are contaminated with bloodborne pathogens including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or other potentially infectious materials.

First:

Skin Exposure:  Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Exposure:      Rinse eyes with eyewash for 15 minutes
Needlestick/Sharps Injury:  Milk the wound if possible to cleanse the wound. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

Then:

Immediately seek medical attention and treatment as described below.  Delays may result in significant health consequences.

Report the exposure or injury to your supervisor immediately.  (Within twenty-four (24) hours after the injury or illness is reported, the supervisor is legally required to provide the injured employee with a partially completed copy of: EMPLOYEE'S CLAIM FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS or DWC FORM 1.  Within three (3) work days after the supervisor is aware of the injury or illness, they are required to submit the On-Line Form 5020:  "Employer's Report of Occupational Injury or Illness."  Please Note: This form must be completed even if the employee refuses or declines to return a completed DWC Form 1.)

Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital emergency room and advise them that you had an exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

If you need additional guidance please contact EH&S at 827-5528.