STUDENT EXPOSURES AT THE USF AFFILIATED PRACTICE SITES

The Employee Health departments at the affiliated practice sites will evaluate students who report significant exposures to blood/body fluids and communicable diseases while on rotation. Significant exposures include needle sticks, sharp injuries, non-intact skin and mucous membrane exposures to blood, body fluids or exposures to airborne communicable diseases. More information is available HERE. Information is also available on the orange laminated exposure cards distributed during orientation.

Exposures should be handled as follows:

1. The student should report the exposure to his/her instructor immediately.

2. The student must seek medical evaluation immediately to determine if post-exposure treatment/prophylaxis is indicated. The affiliate clinical training sites’ policies and procedures will determine the specific process that will be followed for the reporting, evaluation and treatment of exposures that occur in the facility. A cost may be incurred at sites that require evaluation through the facility’s emergency room.

3. The USF Medical Health Administration office must also be notified of the exposure and the student will be required to complete the appropriate USF Health exposure reporting forms.

4. The student reports to the affiliate’s Employee Health during regular business hours as soon as possible after the exposure. The student should bring the following information on the source patient: name, medical record number, diagnosis, and room number.

5. Students reporting a needle stick/sharp injury from a patient must be evaluated within one to two hours for appropriate prophylaxis. In these cases, if the affiliate’s Employee Health is closed, the student should contact the site’s nursing supervisor.

The student will be provided with the following evaluation:

1. First aid treatment as necessary.

2. Investigation of the source patient and HIV and hepatitis tests as necessary.

3. Baseline lab work that includes HIV, HCV and Hepatitis B antibody testing is required within 72 hours of the exposure. A cost may be incurred for the baseline lab testing at sites that require evaluation through the facility’s emergency room.

Follow-up tests will be offered as appropriate through the USF Health MHA office. There will be no charge for the required lab testing ordered through the MHA office. The affiliate’s Employee Health will provide the appropriate prophylaxis. A cost may be incurred for the initial post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) at sites that require evaluation through the facility’s emergency room. Continued PEP will be provided through the MHA office without cost.