Testing for other bloodborne pathogens should still occur. With a signed release, results of the source individual's HIV testing should be made available to the exposed employee. Information related to drug regimens, and, if available, resistance information should be made available to the exposed employee to determine the best regimen for the employee. The process for accessing this information is straightforward and should be incorporated into the facility's occupational exposure protocol. The procedure should be clearly delineated, should identify the designated medical officer responsible for implementing the procedure, and should emphasize the importance of a timely response.
Detailed information regarding the regulations follows.
The exposed individual must be either HIV negative or of unknown HIV status. Ensure that a copy of the exposure incident report and the request for disclosure of the source patient's HIV status is placed in the medical record of the exposed person. The exposed individual must have contact with potentially infectious body substances to mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or to the vascular system. Examples of such contact may include needlesticks, puncture wound injuries, and direct saturation or permeation of non-intact skin by potentially infectious substances. A facility regulated, authorized, or supervised by the Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Children and Family Services, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, or the Department of Correctional Services.