No mouth pipetting should be done in laboratories. Refrain from direct patient care or handling patient care equipment if you have open skin wounds or weeping lesions on exposed skin . Following Universal Precautions reduces the risk of infection. A safe, highly effective vaccine is also available and is required for clinical work. The School of Medicine arranges appointments for medical students to receive the vaccine during the first year of study.
Annual vaccination is most effective if done in the fall.
Other potentially serious exposures, such as exposure to a patient with active tuberculosis, should also be reported. This office assesses the risk, manages the exposure, and provides any needed treatment according to standard protocols. However, there are certain situations that require additional safety measures, including isolation. The Infection Control Unit at Duke University is responsible for surveillance and prevention activities to identify, prevent and control infection risks for patients. The Biological Safety Division of the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office is responsible for reducing exposures to healthcare workers and visitors.