Section 5C: Initial assessment of the source patient

For Students
Infectious Disease Prevention Educational Module
Section 5: Protocol for Responding to an Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Section 5C: Initial assessment of the source patient

Initial assessment of the source patient
There will be an initial assessment of the source patient (permission form, blood assays to draw, etc.) that follows the standard employee procedures of the institution where the exposure occurred.  These standard procedures typically include:

- When
approximate time of exposure.
- Where
location of exposure (e.g., hospital, office, clinic, etc.).
- What
source of exposure (e.g., blood, contaminated instrument, etc.).
- How and How Long
skin, mucous membrane, percutaneous; and how long (e.g.,seconds/minutes/hours), was the exposure time.
- Type of device
- Status of the patient
negative, positive, unknown HIV/Hepatitis B/ Hepatitis C status.

- Whether or not patient is at risk for HIV/Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection.
- Multiple blood transfusions (1978-1985).
- IV Drug User.
- Multiple sexual partners, homosexual activity.
- Known HIV positive/and/or have symptoms of AIDS.
- Significant blood or body fluid exposure.

Proceed to Section 5D: Seek treatment if assessed at high risk.