Needlestick policy

What to do if you get a bloodborne pathogen exposure

1. Perform basic first aid immediately, including:
• Wash the needlestick or cut with soap and water
• Rinse eyes, nose, mouth or skin with clean water
2. Notify your supervising faculty member and Geisinger Employee Health at 570-214-9424 immediately. Report to nearest Employee Health office or emergency department during off hours and then notify Geisinger Employee Health by the next business day.
3. Have the appropriate blood draw to test for HIV and hepatitis B and C.
4. A Geisinger Employee Health provider will review all information and communicate with you and the clinical site and follow up as needed.

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

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, go to the nearest emergency department and give the registration clerk a copy of this letter. In addition, notify Geisinger Employee Health at 570-214-9424 immediately.

Download the needlestick card file.