Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure

UW medical personnel, facilities staff, researchers and students in health sciences programs are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens through a needlestick, sharps injury or mucous membrane exposure. EH&S provides resources and recommendations for treatment and follow-up care following a bloodborne pathogen exposure.

What to do after a bloodborne pathogen exposure or needlestick/sharps injury

If you experienced a needlestick or sharps injury, or were exposed to the blood or other body fluid of another person during the course of your work or training, immediately follow these steps:

  1. Remove all soiled clothing.
  2. Wash with soap and water for 15 minutes and/or flush mucous membranes/irrigate eyes with water for 15 minutes.
  3. Notify supervising staff member.
  4. Get medical attention. Go to your designated employee health center for guidance, testing and or/prophylaxis.*
  5. Report the incident within 24 hours:
    • UW employees and supervisors use the Online Accident Reporting System (OARS).
    • UW Medicine employees working at any medical facility use PSN or the medical facility’s reporting system (do not use OARS).

*If you are not at a UW site, go to the employee health clinic associated with the clinical or practicum site, or to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The health care provider will need:

Insurance and billing for health sciences students

More Information

Contact

UW Employee Health Center Contact

(206) 685-1026 x0