PEPline

The National Clinicians’ Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline

PEPline
The National Clinician's Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline

Exposure to blood-borne pathogens can present serious risks to health care providers. Prompt post-exposure treatment for HIV and hepatitis B virus can be effective, but because each exposure case is unique, determining who should receive prophylaxis and which drugs are most appropriate is not always easy.

The National Clinicians' Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline) offers treating clinicians up-to-the-minute advice on managing occupational exposures (i. e., needlesticks, splashes, etc.) to HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens.

PEPline clinicians will respond to your call between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m. EST. 

For urgent occupational exposure needs, please call during these hours or see the PEPline Guidances for Occupational Exposures. Callers are encouraged to call the PEPline with any additional or follow-up questions. Emergency calls made between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. EST and during holiday hours are answered when live service resumes the following morning.

Clinicians will help assess the risk of the exposure, discuss the most recent post-exposure prophylaxis protocols, and review specific treatment and follow-up options. Written materials supporting the telephone discussion are sent by mail or fax whenever needed.