Needlestick policy

1. Perform basic first aid immediately, including washing the needlestick or cut with soap and water. Rinse eyes, nose, mouth or skin with clean water after exposure.
2. After completing first aid, immediately notify your supervising faculty member and Geisinger Employee Health at 570-214-9424 to ensure timely consideration of the exposure. Report to nearest Employee Health office or emergency department during off hours and then notify Geisinger Employee Health by the next business day.
3. You will have the appropriate tests obtained and prophylactic treatment provided at the locations outlined above. The source patient’s blood will be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C. 
4. You will be followed by Geisinger Employee Health. A Geisinger Employee Health provider will review all information and communicate with you and the clinical site, as applicable, to ensure that appropriate follow up is received.

You MUST be cleared to return to class/clinical rotations following an exposure by Geisinger Employee Health.

View the Policy on Exposure to Infectious Environmental Hazards.

In the event of any non-Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine campus-related blood borne pathogen exposure, please proceed to the facility employee health department for evaluation. If after normal employee health business hours, please report to the nearest emergency department and supply the registration clerk with a copy of this letter. In addition and according to the GCSOM exposure policy, please notify Geisinger Employee Health at 570-214-9424 to ensure timely evaluation of the exposure.

Download the needlestick card file.