question about hiv transmission from needle sticks

i'm a medical student and my school is insisting that if we get needle stuck by someone who is hiv positive or of unknown hiv status we should get the prophylatic treatment.  which is very expensive as in $2000.  i think i read on here that you said no one has gotten hiv from a needle stick.  i also know that the only way to get hiv is from unprotected vaginal/anal sex or sharing iv needles for drug use.  are the doctors at my school just trying to cover their butts?  i figured i'd go to the experts on this matter.

[boondock]

and if you have some articles on the subject so i can show my professors

[Teak]

No one outside the Healthcare industry. PEP does not cost 2 grand. They have to obide by their insurance and OSHA guidelines.

[boondock]

ok thanks.  thanks for the head's up.  so would you suggest i get the PEP?  i'm sure i'll be forced to but if its an option.  what's your opinion?

[Teak]

Go by the recommendation of the ID exposure supervisor. It's based on the injury of the stick. Since 1985 there have been over 1 million exposures in the US in the healthcare industry and less than 200 people have contracted HIV.

[boondock]

all right.  i'll do that.  thanks for the head's up.  i appreciate it.