Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens and Needle Sticks

Students who have been exposed to needle sticks, or potentially hazardous blood or blood products, are obligated to report such incidents to the appropriate staff or faculty and follow all procedures indicated in the Blood-Borne Pathogen Exposure Incident Protocol for Students at Northwestern. Following such exposures, the university will assist the student in accessing the appropriate medical facilities for the immediate evaluation and treatment that is clinically indicated.

In such circumstances, the university will reimburse the student up to $500.00 for any out-of-pocket medical expenses. All other additional costs incurred as a result of needle sticks or other related exposures that require long-term follow-up and/or care are the responsibility of the student. For this reason, the university strongly encourages students to have health insurance coverage adequate to cover such health care needs.