Infectious Exposure
UT Southwestern Medical Center provides medical care and counseling to students who have been exposed to blood and/or body fluids or active tuberculosis. UT Southwestern’s Occupational Health Services manages exposures to blood or body fluid. Student Health Services manages tuberculosis exposures.
Follow these general instructions if an exposure occurs:
- Needlestick/sharps injury or skin exposure: Immediately rinse the exposed body area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Mucous membrane/eye exposure: Immediately flush eyes, mouth, or nose with plentiful amounts of water as soon as possible following exposure.
What do I do if I have an exposure?
If you think that you have been exposed to a patient’s blood or body fluid, you need to report it as soon as possible. Page the exposure pager at 214-645-1600. This number is located on the back of your student ID card. Let the nurse who answers the page know the source patient’s name and exactly what happened. The nurse will walk you through what to do.
If the Exposure Occurs at an Outside Facility (Non – UTSW):
If the exposure occurs at Parkland Hospital or the Dallas VA Medical Center or another non-UTSW facility, in addition to contacting the UTSW exposure pager, you will need to contact the exposure pager for that facility. The charge nurse where you are can help you with this. All facilities have a routine in place to deal with exposures. UTSW Occupational Health cannot order lab work on a source patient not admitted to a UTSW facility, but we will be glad to assist you in contacting the correct person.
UTSW Occupational Health will be happy to follow your course of care after your exposure should you need any further lab work, treatment, or monitoring.
The source patient is typically tested for HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B. If the source patient is known to have HIV or hepatitis, please let the exposure nurse know.
Post-Exposure Active Tuberculosis
Students who have had an exposure to a patient with an active tuberculosis (TB) infection should follow these guidelines:
- A student identified as coming in contact with an infected patient should have a Quantiferon Gold (QFT) TB test within 10 days of the exposure. If the student has had a negative QFT within one to two months prior to the exposure, this will serve as the baseline test.
- A repeat QFT will be performed within six to eight weeks of the exposure. If the student has completed the TB Symptoms and Exposure Survey in ReadySet due to past positive TB tests, he or she will repeat the survey in 10 to 12 weeks to evaluate any change in health status.
- Students who have tested positive in the past should complete the TB Symptoms and Exposure Survey in ReadySet, and notify Student Health Services upon completion.
- The student should report any symptoms of TB (fever, persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats) to Student Health Services immediately at 214-645-8690.
Student First Report of Injury
The Student First Report of Injury is intended to record critical information following an incident at UT Southwestern Medical Center involving a UT Southwestern student. This includes incidents that happen during all school-related activities and anywhere on school property. This form is not intended to record injuries a student may sustain outside of school-related activities.
If you have a school-related injury please complete the Student First Injury Report form.
If you are injured while in the course and scope of a paid employee, please complete the employee electronic First Report of Injury. For more information about work related injuries please contact the Office of Safety and Business Continuity at 214.645.2228.
If you would like to make an appointment to see a provider please call Student Health at 214-645-8690.
