3.21: Universal Precautions and Needlestick Protocol

If you are stuck by a needle or splashed with bloody fluid, follow the 1-STIX (1-7849) protocol.

  1. If sharps injury: Wash skin with soap/water x 15 minutes If eyes: Flush with 500cc lactated Ringers or normal saline; If mouth/ nose: Flush with water x 15 minutes
  2. Activate 1-STIX Pager for OHS BBP Advice RN (24/7/365)
    1. Page Operator (650) 723-6661: Ask for 1-STIX pager (17849)
  3. Obtain Source Patient's Blood by cooperating with site hospital personnel:
    1. Name/MRN/Unit Location/ HIV, HBV, HCV status
    2. Follow-up services may be advised by OHS BBP RN for testing at University Services at 484 Oak Rd (650) 735-5308.
  • QUICK & CONVENIENT - A trained professional will contact you and will obtain the information from you about the exposure. F/U may be advised by the  OHS BBP Advice RN at University Services at 484 Oak Rd (650-725-5308).
  • CONFIDENTIAL - Does not become part of your health care record.
  • FREE - No charge for services obtained via hotline.
  • Keep a copy of the 1-STIX orange card with your Hospital ID Badge at all times. Hotline problems? Email the wellness team at somwellness@stanford.edu.

Should a student experience a needle stick, they are advised to call the Needlestick Hotline regardless of where the incident occurs. If immediate emergency medical treatment is deemed necessary (sutures, x-ray, etc.), the hotline practitioner will work cooperatively with the student to decide where to have these done. Most exposures do not need to be seen in the Emergency Department. If post-exposure prophylactic medication is necessary, the hotline practitioner will encourage the student to be seen by a physician in Employee Health at 484 Oak Road. The hotline practitioner and student will work with the hospital personnel to attain source patient blood for testing.

In addition, students will be instructed to visit Stanford University’s Occupational Health Services at 484 Oak Road if follow-up is necessary. Any necessary testing and further treatment will be addressed at this visit and follow-up care will be arranged. Costs related to Emergency Department care at an affiliated hospital, will be paid for by the affiliated hospital. Costs related to the hotline usage and initial care not done at the affiliated hospital will be paid for by Stanford. The student would assume the financial responsibility for long-term care in the unlikely event that a chronic infection (e.g., HIV or hepatitis) ensues.

Students exposed to meningococcal meningitis, pertussis, or other infections that require prophylactic antibiotics are to report to Vaden Student Health Services for treatment regardless of the site where the exposure occurred.

updated August 2023