Don't panic. Know the facts. Get the source patient's labs.
UTMB employees and students exposed to a bloodborne pathogen through a needle stick, sharps injury, or splash must follow the reporting instructions below to ensure proper care and support.
Exposed Employees: Please read this important information
- Promptly complete the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Form to report the exposure to Employee Health. Please do not use any other form for reporting the incident.
- You do not need to go to the Emergency Department, Urgent Care, or Employee Health immediately after the exposure for baseline bloodwork. If the source patient is known, it is essential to collect a blood sample from them and send it to the lab for processing. If the source patient is unknown, please indicate that on the form. This will provide Employee Health with the information necessary to determine your next steps.
- If you are a UTMB employee and want to begin HIV prophylaxis medications before receiving the source patient’s lab results, be sure to select the appropriate option on the form. You will then receive a prophylaxis prescription and First Fill prescription e-card to cover the costs of the medications.
- If you are not a UTMB employee, reach out to your employer for direction on any bloodwork you may need and/or HIV prophylaxis medications.
- HIV prophylaxis medications may be started up to 72 hours after the exposure.
- Once the form is submitted, Employee Health will contact you no later than noon the next day (including weekends and holidays) with any follow-up instructions.
- Click here for step-by-step reporting instructions.
Questions?
During Business Hours
Contact Employee Health or Student Health for questions during business hours Monday through Friday.
After Hours, Weekends & Holidays
Contact your campus Clinical Operations Administrator (COA) for questions after hours and on weekends and holidays.