Occupational Safety in Healthcare

The plan that outlines how an employer will protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The fluids that can carry bloodborne pathogens and pose a risk of infection.

The time between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms.

A tiny organism that can cause disease.

A type of infection that affects the liver.

A type of hepatitis caused by a virus that can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.

The probability or likelihood of getting a disease after exposure to a pathogen.

Provides immunity to hepatitis B virus.

Occupational exposure refers to the potential contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) during work duties.

Pre-employment assessments are conducted to determine a potential employee's suitability for a role by assessing their health and suitability, including physical exam, TB screening, and immunization status.

Vaccination is a crucial process during the pre-employment assessment, where employees are immunized against preventable diseases such as Hepatitis B, which can be contracted in the workplace.

TB screening is a crucial part of pre-employment assessment, ensuring healthcare workers are free from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). It's done using either an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) or a Two-Step Tuberculosis Skin Testing (TST).

The Mantoux test, also known as the Two-Step Tuberculosis Skin Testing (TST), involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin to determine if the person has been infected with TB bacteria. The reaction is measured 48-72 hours later.

Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are blood tests used to detect latent TB infection. They are considered more accurate than traditional skin tests.

A positive skin test or IGRA indicates that the person has been infected with MTB bacteria but may not have active TB disease. Further testing is needed to determine the status.

A negative skin test or IGRA means that the person’s body did not react to the test and latent TB infection or TB disease is unlikely.

A blood test that measures the body's immune response to TB bacteria. A positive IGRA result indicates exposure to TB.

A person who has been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) but does not have active TB disease. They carry the infection but show no symptoms.

Active TB disease is when the TB bacteria are multiplying in the body and causing symptoms like cough, fever, and weight loss.

The initial dose of a vaccine administered at the beginning of a vaccination schedule.

A blood test that measures the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B virus (HBV).

When a healthcare worker is exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) during their work.

An immediate measure taken after an occupational exposure to flush mucous membranes with water or saline solution.

A measure taken after an occupational exposure incident to document the incident and seek medical evaluation promptly.

A protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus, detectable in high levels during active infection.

Presence of this antibody usually means the person has recovered from Hepatitis B and is immune.

This antibody appears at the start of symptoms in acute Hepatitis B and lasts a lifetime.

This antibody is present only during a recent Hepatitis B infection, usually within the last 6 months.

This antigen, present in serum, signals active viral replication and high infectivity.

This antibody indicates the decline of replicating virus and lower infectivity.

This virus can survive outside the body for up to 4 days at room temperature, posing a risk of infection.

The average risk of getting HCV after exposure to infected blood is 1.8%.

HCV infection often has no symptoms in the early stages.

HCV RNA tests detect the presence of the virus in the blood.

Anti-HCV EIA tests detect the presence of antibodies against HCV in the blood.

The average risk of HIV infection after a needle stick is 0.3%.

The risk of HIV infection after exposure to the eye, nose, or mouth to HIV-infected blood is on average, 0.1%.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medical treatment given after potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens to prevent infection.

Hepatitis B PEP should begin within 24 hours of exposure, but no later than 7 days.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a type of viral hepatitis that affects the liver. There is no vaccine available to prevent HCV infection, and neither immune globulin nor antiviral therapy is recommended after exposure. This means that the best way to prevent HCV infection is to follow strict infection control practices to avoid percutaneous injuries.

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a course of antiretroviral medications that can reduce the risk of HIV infection after an exposure. PEP should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 72 hours. PEP regimens typically include 3 or more antiretroviral drugs and should be continued for a 4-week duration.

When a healthcare worker is exposed to HIV, they should undergo regular testing for HIV antibodies. This testing should be done at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the exposure. For HCWs who become infected with HCV after exposure to a source coinfected with HIV and HCV, extended follow-up (e.g., for 12 months) is recommended.

If an individual has been potentially exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and consultation with an infectious diseases consultant should be initiated as early as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure. PEP should include 3 or more antiretroviral drugs and be continued for a 4-week duration.

After an occupational exposure to HIV, healthcare workers should receive close follow-up, including counseling, baseline and follow-up HIV testing, and monitoring for drug toxicity. This follow-up helps ensure early diagnosis and management of potential infection.