OSHA Post Exposure Evaluation and Follow up

One of the hazards of working in the medical field is exposure to body fluids and possible serious infections.  OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)http://osha.gov has set forth guidelines to minimize the risk and consequences of any employee who has been exposed to such hazards.

1. Report any exposure incident to a Manager immediatley.
2. Complete an Exposure Incident Report, which will be kept as a permanent record.
3. If the exposed employee requests that the source patient be tested, ask the source patient if he will consent to having bloodwork performed for HIV/HBV infectivity.
4. The exposed employee will be offered the option of having their blood collected for testing of the employee’s HIV/HBV serological status.
5. The exposed employee and the source patient can have bloodwork drawn at: You should insert the name of your designated workman’s compensation doctor or predetermined designated facility here.
6. Blood tests should be done for: HIV, Hep B antigen, Hep B antibody, Hep C antibody, ALT
7. The exposed employee will be offered post exposure prophylaxis in accordance with the current recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service.
8. The results of the bloodwork for both the exposed employee and the source patient will be shared with the exposed employee by one of the drs of LVC4S.
9. If the exposed employee or the source patient have further questions involving the bloodwork, they should contact their family physician.