Bloodborne Pathogens Emergencies

What to Do if Exposed to Blood/Bodily Fluids

• If the exposure occurs during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), call the Health Center Downtown at 504-988-6929.
• If the exposure occurs at any other time (holidays, weekends, evenings, etc.), call the Nurse Advice Line at 504-862-8121.

Immediately After Exposure

1. Wash affected area.

• For an eye or mucous membrane exposure, flush the exposed area with water for five minutes.
• For a skin exposure or an injury with "sharps", wash the area for five minutes with water and antimicrobial soap (ex: Hibiclens or Bentadine).

2. Download the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Packet.

Print all the forms included in the packet:

• Provider Checklist
• Student Checklist
• Supervisor/Faculty Checklist
• Occupational Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens Management Algorithm
• Needlestick & Sharp Object Injury Report Form

Download the Packet

3. Notify the Health Center Downtown

• If the exposure occurs during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), call the Health Center Downtown at 504-988-6929.
• If the exposure occurs at any other time (holidays, weekends, evenings, etc.), call the Nurse Advice Line at 504-862-8121.

What if you are unable to print the instruction packet?

If the exposure took place at Tulane Medical Center or Tulane Lakeside Hospital during working hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.):

• Report exposure immediately to your supervisor and/or head nurse at hospital or clinic. He/she will assist you with obtaining the source patient’s consent and lab work.
• Call The Health Center Downtown at 504-988-6929 immediately to arrange for follow-up and lab work. (Ideally have your lab work done at The Health Center to avoid billing issues.)
• Your vaccination record will be reviewed and vaccination boosters will be offered if applicable.

If the exposure took place at Tulane Medical Center or Tulane Lakeside Hospital after hours, on weekends or holidays:

• Report exposure immediately to your supervisor and/or head nurse at hospital or clinic. He/she will assist you with obtaining source consent and lab work.
• Report to emergency department to have your labs drawn (Ideally within 2 hours of exposure).
• On the following business day call The Health Center Downtown’s nurse at: 504-988-6929 for a follow-up appointment and proper documentation protocols.
• For additional questions/instructions call the Nurse Advice Line at  504-862-8121, any time day or night.

If the exposure took place at a location outside of Tulane Medical Center or Tulane Lakeside Hospital, and/or any location within the United States of America.

• Report exposure immediately to your supervisor and/or head nurse at hospital or clinic. They will assist you with obtaining the source patient's consent and lab work.   
• Follow their specific policy (some centers do require that you notify the employee health and/or infectious disease departments).
• You will need to get your blood drawn right away. (Ideally within 2 hours of exposure). This is usually done through the ER at the facility where you are working.
• On the following business day call The Health Center Downtown's nurse at 504-988-6929 for a follow-up appointment and proper documentation protocols.