Exposure to Human Blood + Other Body Fluid

Faculty, staff or students working in a laboratory or clinical setting, recreational facility or conducting custodial or peace officer duties may occasionally be exposed to human blood or other body fluids. Follow the steps below to ensure you receive the appropriate assistance as soon as possible.

If you are exposed to blood or other human body fluid while working or studying at the U of A, follow the steps below:

  1. Proceed to the nearest emergency department immediately.
    1. If the "source" is known and willing, get their contact information. If they are a friend or colleague, ask them to accompany you to the emergency department. They may be asked if they are willing to be tested.
    2. If the "source" is a sample used in laboratory research (such as a vial of blood), note which sample it is and set it aside. Be sure to let the physician know if the sample is available for testing (if required).
    3. If the "source" is unknown or will not/cannot come with you (for example, a hostile or uncooperative individual), proceed to the emergency department and inform the physician.
  2. Describe the circumstances of the exposure.
  3. Follow the physician's instructions.
  4. Report the incident to your supervisor and to HSE using the incident reporting form .

If exposed to blood or other human body fluid during a clinical placement in an AHS or Covenant Health facility or in another community, follow the steps in the flowchart :

Exposure to human blood and body fluid info graphic

To report to HSE, use the incident reporting form .

To report to WCB, use the WCB reporting form .

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