What information should I have before calling?

The Communicable Disease Exposure Management Nurse will need information on any treatments you might have received in the Emergency Department.  After your exposure, you and the source person, if known, should be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.  The Communicable Disease Exposure Management Nurse will need information regarding the source person (if they have provided consent) including their full name, date of birth, personal health number, and the source's risk assessment results.  Your manager or designate is responsible for providing this information to you.  Please have the source person’s information ready when you call.

What happens when I speak with an Occupational Health Nurse at the Call Centre?

The Communicable Disease Exposure Management Nurse will ask you to describe the incident, provide information and support, and ask you to go to an Emergency Department for an assessment if you have not already done so.  If you get a voicemail message, leave a message with your name, health authority, ID number, and your phone number. If a message is left after hours, you will get a call back the next business day. 

What happens next?

The Communicable Disease Exposure Management Nurse will contact you and provide you with your baseline lab results when they are available.  They will also provide follow up recommendations for you based on the source lab results and the source risk assessment.

What precautions should I take until I am informed that the source person’s tests are negative or until all follow up tests are completed?

• Defer donating blood, plasma, organs, breast milk, tissue, or sperm
• Use latex condoms during intercourse 
• Do not share toothbrushes, razors, needles and other items potentially contaminated with bodily fluids
• Defer pregnancy. If pregnant, consult Oak Tree Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital at 604-875-2212 or 1-888-711-3030
• If you are breastfeeding, please consult with your health practitioner