DRUG-THERAPY - MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES TO BLOOD-BORNE VIRUSES

Exposures to blood-borne pathogens pose a serious occupational threat to health care workers. Safer needle devices for performing phlebotomy and other procedures and universal infection-control precautions will not completely eliminate the risk, and prophylactic treatment will remain an important component of prevention efforts. This article will review post-exposure care for the three blood-borne pathogens that are most commonly involved in occupational transmission — hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Assessment of Exposure Occupational exposures include contact of the eyes, mouth, other mucous membranes, or broken skin and parenteral contact with blood or other… © 1995, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.