Knowledge of the nature of the pathogen involved and of proper practices to avoid transmission of infectious agents will minimize risk to the student. Safe practices are also taught during the Laboratory Medicine course in the second year and are presented again during the clinical clerkships. The concept of universal precautions. Students should assume all patients are potentially contagious and take proper precautions to avoid contact with blood and other body fluids. Safe needle practices.
Most needlestick injuries occur during the recapping of needles.
Students are told to avoid recapping whenever possible, and the technique of single-handed recapping is taught. How hospital personnel transmit specific agents to themselves and patients. Mari Stewart or Therese Rymer will respond. Request an urgent screening. After hours go to the Emergency Room and follow-up with the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine the next working day.