If you believe you have been exposed to a potentially infectious body fluid:

1. Cleanse the affected area as follows:
   1. If intact skin, wash well with antibacteriocidal soap.
   2. If mucous membrane [eye, mouth, nose etc], rinse thoroughly with saline or water.
   3. If a puncture wound, allow to bleed and wash with antibacteriocidal soap.
      
      
2. Report the incident to your immediate supervisor [resident or attending physician]. If you are at an affiliated hospital, please notify the Director of Medical Education (DME).
   
   
3. Request immediate evaluation at the hospital, indicating your status as a medical student, not an employee of the hospital. During regular working hours [usually 8-5 M-F] this will be in the Employee Health Department or its equivalent.  During other hours this will usually be the Emergency Department.   However, follow the instructions from the clinical site.  Immediate treatment may be necessary for exposure to fluids or tissue from patients known to be infected with HIV or Hepatitis.  (Current recommendation within 3 hours.)
   
   
4. Fill out the appropriate incident report for the hospital.  This may be done after you have received emergency care.  Be sure you know the name and medical record number of the patient involved in the exposure.
   
   
5. You are responsible for all payments and co-payments for medical care.
   1. Provide insurance information and do not allow yourself to be submitted to Workman's Compensation.
   2. Obtain appropriate referrals as required by your insurance company (it will be too late if you wait for Workman's Comp to turn you down). You are responsible for knowing your insurance company's policies regarding provider notification.
   3. Retain your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) when you receive it from your insurance company.
   4. Provide itemized bill, EOB, and proof of co-pay payment to Robin Smith (Division of Clinical Education, Room 119, QL, 215-991-8360) immediately upon receipt (don't wait for 2nd and 3rd bills or your account may end up with a collection agency). Always keep copies for your records.
   5. If you carry the Drexel University College of Medicine sponsored health insurance, there should be limited personal liability for payment if you have submitted billing invoices and statements as requested.
      
      
6. Should long term care or counseling be necessary, it may be coordinated through Drexel University College of Medicine and your primary care physician in Philadelphia or a private physician of your choice.  Although the hospital where you received your exposure will be happy to assist you, it is not their responsibility to coordinate your care.  Regardless of where you elect to have care rendered, your medical insurance will be billed and you will be responsible for co-payments or services that are not covered.
   
   
7. All HIV testing and information processing in Pennsylvania hospitals will adhere to PA ACT 148 as well as applicable federal laws.  PA Act 148: Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
   
   
8. The Director of Medical Education at each clinical site, the Drexel University College of Medicine Associate Dean for Student Affairs (215-991-8222) and the Drexel University College of Medicine Director of Clinical Education (215-991-8360) are available to assist you in a confidential manner.

updated 8/8/07