At A Glance

  1. Determine if the wound or exposure needs immediate attention, and if so go directly to the ER
  2. Complete Source testing (This is time sensitive, do not delay! - DO NOT USE THE H.I.S. ORDERING SYSTEM).
  3. Results will be called within 45 minutes.
  4. If the HIV/SUDS source test is negative: skip to #6
  5. Call San Francisco HIV warmline 1-888-448-4911. Call needlestick hotline again if needed.
  6. Someone will contact you the next business day.

After-hours Online Assistance

In an effort to provide the most efficient and effective care we have set up this Needlestick website to assist you in the determination of need for Bloodborne Pathogen Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This is the decision that needs to be made tonight. All other medical issues relating to this exposure should be addressed the next business day with our Occupational Medicine team (Phone: 352-392-1161 ext. 14212).

Step by Step Instructions

To assist in the determination of PEP, please follow these instructions completely and in order (printable version of this page):

  1. Determine if the wound or exposure needs immediate medical attention, and if so go directly to the ER
    • Is the wound actively bleeding despite attempts to stop it?
    • Is this exposure related to an ocular splash of potentially infectious fluids or other chemicals?
  2. Source testing (This is time sensitive, do not delay!)
    • Obtain consent from the source patient or health care surrogate (consent forms will be at the nearest nursing station)
    • Order HIV SUDS test on the source patient using this form – SUDS Ordering Form – print out and fax/carry to lab at 352-265-0328.  DO NOT USE THE H.I.S. ORDERING SYSTEM.  Fill out the source identification section and your name/contact number.
    • Draw 2 red top, 1 purple top, 1 pearl top (4 total) tubes from the source patient.  Make sure they are delivered to Shands 3rd Floor Lab as these tubes will be used for any necessary further testing.
    • Make sure the lab has your contact information so they can contact you with the source patient HIV results!
  3. Results will be called within 45 minutes.  If you do not receive results within this time period, call the lab at 352-265-0412.
  4. If the HIV/SUDS source test is negative: skip to #6
  5. If the HIV/SUDS test is positive, the source patient is known HIV+, or the source is unknown:
    • Call San Francisco HIV warmline 1-888-448-4911.  You will be speaking to an HIV expert regarding recommendations for medications
    • Write down these recommendations
    • If PEP medication is recommended, call our on-call number 1-866-477-6824 to have prescriptions called in to a local pharmacy

  6. You must call (352) 392-0627 the next business day to schedule an appointment for that same day.  All further testing will be ordered at that time.  Failure to make and keep that appointment may result in inadequate management of this exposure.