For Students
Infectious Disease Prevention Educational Module
Section 5: Protocol for Responding to an Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Section 5 Learning Objective
This section is designed to help you:
- describe the AHC-response protocol for exposure to bloodborne pathogens during educational experiences.
Protocol for Responding to an Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
If you are exposed to bloodborne pathogens during an educational rotation, the response time is important - you must be seen by a health professional as soon as possible to determine risk factors. When you are on clinical or community educational rotations, you have support from three sources to help in case of exposure:
- your preceptor at the site.
- Boynton Health Services.
- your college or program experiential education director.
On the first day of your rotation at a new site, make sure you become familiar with the site-specific protocols for managing exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Your preceptor can assist you with this information.
The protocol steps listed below should be followed if you are exposed to bloodborne pathogens during an educational experience. We recommend that you carry a protocol quick-reference, wallet-sized card with these steps for exposure information with you during educational rotations. These cards are available in your school.
Protocol Steps
A. Perform basic first aid.
B. Report the exposure immediately.
C. Initial assessment of the source patient.
D. Seek treatment if assessed at high risk.
E. Complete a follow-up assessment.
F. You will receive prevention discussions.
Proceed to Section 5A: Perform basic first aid.