bodily fluid exposure question

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Specializes in Hospice.

I was exposed the other day. it was a very low risk exposure but i did report it because bodily fluids were exposed through my mucous membranes. I followed our protocol that required a trip to er, screens ect. I got the results of the source's screen today. They told me the source is negative for hep B, C and non-reactive to HIV. according to our infection control person i will need no further follow up.

Does that sound right, i was kind of told when my blood was drawn that i would need follow up at 2 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. Even though i was not that concerned in the first place i just want to make sure all my bases are covered.

If the source is negative then you shouldn't need follow-up.

Specializes in ER.

That's not entirely true.

Seroconversion takes around 12 weeks, so even if the source showed negative at the time, that doesn't mean they were not infected and in the early stages of conversion.

Obviously the chances of that are minimal, but it remains a risk which has to be checked out.

Hence the repeat checks at 12 weeks.

Specializes in ER, ICU.

There would be no harm to follow up tests, but I would go with the advice of the IC expert.

Protocol at our hospital is 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 mos. Even if the pt was neg. for everything.

I would definitely want the follow up tests...

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