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College of Medicine Chicago

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Procedures for Occupational Exposures and Potentially Infectious Blood/Body Fluids

Exposures to blood or body fluids that occur because of needle-sticks, cuts, splashes, or sprays that occur on clinical assignment (DoCS, phase 2, phase 3) could result in transmission of blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV. Immediate Care should be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of your patients. In the event of an exposure use the following procedures:

  • Wash the site immediately and thoroughly with soap and water to remove any potentially infectious fluid and tissue. Flush mucous membranes with water.
  • Report your exposure to the appropriate authorities at the site hospital: ward team physicians, resident on call, charge nurse or nursing supervisor, or a University Health Services representative. Be sure to note the insurance coverage information in A and B below, and the Site Contact List for Occupational Exposures for reporting specifics to mitigate the chance of incurring out of pocket hospital bills.
  • If exposure to any blood/body fluid or tissue occurs, a clinical evaluation should be obtained immediately. The evaluation should include drawing of blood samples from both the patient and the student. Possible therapies may include antibiotics, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis B Immune Globulin, or antiretroviral therapy.
  • Complete the incident report form and submit it to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs within one week of exposure.
  • Follow-up within a week to confirm that all blood tests have been reviewed, appropriate treatment is in place, and arrangements have been made for any additional diagnostic

A. Students who have CampusCare insurance coverage: Heading link

CampusCare covers exposures to blood or body fluids that occur because of a needlestick, puncture, cut, or spray injury is defined as a true, life-threatening medical emergency. In the event of such an emergency, the student should proceed to the nearest Employee Health Office or Emergency Room for treatment, preferably the one at the medical center where the incident occurred. CampusCare will be financially responsible for Medical Emergency healthcare services up to the limits provided in our Certificate of Coverage. After the Medical Emergency, all follow-up care must be provided by or pre authorized by a CampusCare Primary Care Provider and the CampusCare Medical Director. If questions or concerns arise after reporting the incident to the Department of Family Medicine, students may call Campus Care directly at 312-996-4915.

Note: An exposure must be billed as an injury. If you have any occupational exposure to bodily fluids immediately notify the doctor/team you are working with of the incident and that you need to seek medical attention right away. Go to: Emergency Information to learn where to go for immediate evaluation. If you have any questions, go to the nearest emergency room.

B. Students who do NOT have CampusCare but have a different health insurance policy: Heading link

It is strongly recommended that students contact their insurance provider BEFORE beginning clinical rotations to find out about their coverage and how to proceed if an incident occurs. These types of exposures are generally considered injuries.

For distant sites, there may be substantial advantages to receiving evaluation and treatment on-site: immediate access, ease in handling source blood, faster test results, and on-site follow-up care.

Students may be required to pay for care provided at the site where the exposure occurred.

Site contact list for occupational exposures to blood or body fluids Heading link

NEED TO BE REPORTED IN 24 HOURS OR INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER PAYMENT

Note: In most cases, payment for an ER visit is based on the guidelines of the student’s own health insurance OR campus care. Students are not covered by Workers’ Compensation.

Please visit the campus care website for in-network hospitals for emergency room only.

Updated January 2025 OCA