Emergency Information

Needle Stick:
1. If you are exposed to the blood of a patient, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* recommends that you immediately following an exposure to blood:

• "Needlesticks and cuts should be washed with soap and water
• Splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin should be flushed with water
• Eyes should be irrigated with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants"*

2. Immediately inform your supervising resident or attending physician. "Prompt reporting is essential because, in some cases, HIV postexposure treatment may be recommended and it should be started as soon as possible--preferably within 1-2 hours."* Go to the Emergency Room at whatever hospital you are at, or the Employee Health Clinic at Tech Part if you are working in a community setting, or to the Stony Brook ER if after business hours. You should be tested for HIV at this point to document that you are currently seronegative, and if you desire, you will be started on prophylactic medications. The ER you are at may only give you a one or two days supply, but you can get the rest of the medications for free at Employee Health.

3." In addition to HIV, discuss the possible risks of acquiring hepatitis B and hepatitis C with your health-care provider. You should have already received hepatitis B vaccine, which is extremely safe and effective in preventing hepatitis B."*