Once an exposure has occurred, the blood of the individual from whom exposure occurred should be tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV antibody). Local laws regarding consent for testing source individuals should be followed. Testing of the source individual should be done at a location where appropriate pretest counseling is available; post-test counseling and referral for treatment should be provided.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Post-exposure Management Treatment of Exposed Worker When Source:

Individual has AIDS or, is positive for HIV infection, or refuses to be tested

Individual is tested and found seronegative and has no clinical manifestations of AIDS or HIV infection

Individual cannot be identified

The exposed worker should be:

counseled about the risk of infection.
evaluated clinically and serologically for evidence of HIV infection as soon as possible after the exposure.
advised to seek and report medical evaluation for any febrile illness that occurs within 12 weeks after the exposure.
advised to refrain from blood donation and to use appropriate protection during sexual intercourse during the follow-up period, especially the first 6-12 weeks after exposure.

An exposed worker who tests negative initially should be retested 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and a minimum of 6 months after exposure to determine whether transmission has occurred.

No further follow-up unless:

Evidence suggests that source may have been recently exposed.
Desired by worker or recommended by health-care provider.
If testing is done, the guidelines in the first column may be followed.

Decisions regarding appropriate follow-up should be individualized. Serologic testing should be done if the worker is concerned that HIV transmission may have occurred.