Universal Precautions

Universal precautions procedures protect both students and patients from unnecessary health risks. IU School of Medicine students receive annual online training on infectious diseases prevention. Students must be aware of the recommendations outlined in the relevant teaching hospital’s policies. Certain specific exposures require a mandatory visit or telephone consultation with Campus Health. Such situations include the following:

1. Needle sticks or other contaminated injuries
2. Exposure to active cases of tuberculosis
3. Mucous membrane exposure to blood borne pathogens
4. Exposure to enteral varicella
5. Active enteral infection with salmonella or shigella

A nurse or physician at each campus is available by phone 24 hours a day to provide information regarding needle sticks, other contaminated injuries and exposures via the Needlestick/Exposure Reporting Form. Students who sustain an injury or exposure should complete the form and call their campus contact immediately. If there is any difficulty contacting a campus contact, students can contact the IU Indianapolis Campus Health OUCH phone at 317-518-7003.

Students exposed to or exhibiting signs and symptoms of contagious diseases, including, but not limited to varicella and viral conjunctivitis, should go to a health services location to be seen as soon as possible. If the situation occurs when the health service locations are closed, the student should call the IU Indianapolis Campus Health OUCH phone at 317-518-7003.

If any testing is deemed necessary, students can submit any charges incurred to their IU medical insurance for payment or reimbursement.