Needlestick injuries and exposure to blood or body fluids are considered medical emergencies. An exposure is defined as a stick with a used needle, a splash of blood or body fluid on a mucous membrane, or a splash of blood or body fluids on non-intact skin. Students are advised to report any exposure and to obtain evaluation as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of the incident.

If you experience an exposure, please follow these steps:

1. Provide local wound care at the site of the accident or exposure by washing with soap and water. In the case of a splash, flush copiously with water or saline.


2. Inform your supervisor of the exposure and inform him/her that you must follow Weill Cornell policies regarding exposures.
3. Obtain patient information, including name, medical record number, risks or status for HIV and Hepatitis, and contract information for the attending or senior resident.
4. You must then receive additional medical attention for yourself.
   • During business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4 PM), come directly to Student Health Services (SHS).
   • At other times, come directly to the Emergency Department at NYP / WCMC. Then report to SHS on the next business day.
   • If you are outside the New York metropolitan area, follow the local medical center's procedures for exposures, or come to the nearest emergency room, and report the incident to SHS at the soonest possible opportunity.

Further information is available in the Student Handbook and in the WCMC Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.