Aim: Report on the implementation of the “Biostoffverordnung” in medical students at German medical faculties, complemented by activities in instructing and investigating the medical students of Ulm in their preclinical years according to this regulation. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to the deans of the medical faculties. 460 students were instructed, had to fill in a questionnaire on previous diseases and vaccinations and were investigated according to G 42. Results: Decisions on the “Biostoffverordnung” have not yet been taken at all faculties; often a hepatitis B vaccination is offered for students in their “practical year”. In Ulm, as a consequence of the students’ reports and their anti-HBS concentration, a combined vaccination (Hep A + B) was offered in 140 cases and immediately accepted by almost all of the students. 93 % had previous vaccinations against tetanus, 33 % against FSME and 10 % against influenza. I n 32 c ases t he results o f the tuberculin t esting required a chest X-ray examination, but revealed no suspicion of tuberculosis. The instruction concentrated on infectious diseases and their prevention, e.g. the ban on re-capping to avoid needle injuries. Further items were skin diseases, allergies (e.g. latex) and the prevention of back injuries. Conclusions: There is a lot to catch up on at medical faculties concerning the “Biostoffverordnung”. Epidemiological information from the Robert Koch Institute proved to be very helpful for instruction. The medical check-up was a further stimulus for vaccinations.
