Assess Your Understanding of Occupational Exposure to HCV and HIV

Occupational Exposure to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• U.S. Public Health Service guidelines recommend baseline testing for anti-HCV and ALT activity in healthcare personnel exposed to an HCV-positive source.
• Testing for HCV RNA may be performed 4 to 6 weeks after exposure for early detection.
• Early detection strategies may help alleviate worker stress and anxiety and allow for prompt treatment.
• Antiviral therapy is most effective when started early in the course of HCV infection.
• Current guidelines recommend delaying treatment for 2 to 4 months after acute onset to allow for spontaneous clearance.
• Experienced providers are needed to evaluate and discuss treatment options and provide appropriate medical referrals and counseling.
• An estimated 1.1 million adults and adolescents were living with HIV in the U.S. by the end of 2006.
• HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex and injection drug use.
• All donated blood in the U.S. has been screened for HIV since 1985.
• Occupational risk for HIV infection is highest among healthcare personnel and other workers in contact with blood or other body fluids.
• Treatment for HIV should be offered to all patients with symptoms or CD4 cell counts below 350 cells/mm3.
• Antiretroviral therapy should also be initiated in pregnant women, patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, and patients coinfected with HBV.

"Test Your Knowledge on Occupational Exposure to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)" - Take this quiz to assess your understanding of the U.S. Public Health Service guidelines on HCV and HIV exposure in healthcare personnel. Learn about early detection strategies, antiviral therapy, and treatment options for HCV and HIV. Find out about the occupational risk for HIV infection and the importance of screening and prevention methods. Test your knowledge on these important topics and gain