Exposure risks to healthcare workers

Healthcare workers are potentially exposed to bloodborne viruses (BBVs) while they work via:

• percutaneous routes, where a sharp object cuts or penetrates the skin
• mucocutaneous routes, which include contamination of the nose, eyes, broken skin or mouth

Healthcare workers include:

• clinical staff who have regular clinical contact with patients
• laboratory staff who have direct contact with potentially infectious clinical specimens
• non-clinical support staff who may have contact with patients, but not usually of a prolonged or close nature

The risk of a BBV being transmitted depends on:

• the viral load in the infected source patient
• the depth of the injury
• whether the procedure involved placing a needle in a patient’s vein or artery

Significant exposures

A significant exposure is a percutaneous or mucocutaneous exposure to blood or other body fluids from a source patient who is infected with:

• HIV
• hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg positive)
• hepatitis C

Data collection

Data collection is temporarilyno suspendedlonger whilstcollected theon Significantoccupational Occupationalexposures Exposuresto surveillancebloodborne systemviruses isas under review.

Submit an exposure report: voluntary and confidential

Data collection is temporarily suspended whilst the Significant Occupational Exposures surveillance system ishas underbeen review.suspended.

Epidemiology

The UKHSA Eye of the needle is the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report on significant occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers:workers has now been withdrawn as it includesis aout slideof setdate. onThe significantSignificant occupationalOccupational exposures.Exposures surveillance system was suspended in 2021 and no further data is being collected.

HIV

HIV: surveillance, data and management

UK guideline for the use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis 2021, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Association (BASHHBHIVA)

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B: guidance data and analysis

See Immunisation against infectious diseases: the green book on vaccination against hepatitis B and immunisation of healthcare and laboratory staff.

Hepatitis C

Guidance on the investigation and management of occupational exposure to hepatitis C, Communicable Disease and Public Health (CDPH) 1999

Management of bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers

UK Advisory Panel for healthcare workers living with bloodborne viruses gives advice about the transmission and management of BBVs in healthcare workers and keeps a confidential register of infected workers.

GoodManagement practice guidelines for renal dialysis/transplantation units: prevention and control of blood-borneblood virusborne infection,viruses Departmentwithin ofthe HealthHaemodialysis and Social Care (DHSC), September 2002

Guidance for clinical healthcare workers: protection against infection with bloodborne virusesUnit, DHSCUK MarchKidney 1998Association

RIDDOR:RIDDOR: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

MedicalBBVs andin dentalhealthcare students:workers: health clearance for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosismanagement, Medical Schools Council 2008