Occupational Blood-Borne Infections

Many health professionals may be exposed to, and undertake the collection and handling of blood or its products, whether it be for analysis and diagnosis or more specifically for transfusion. Other workers in a variety of public services, such as the police and community care, also routinely encounter situations in which exposure to blood through such incidents as needle stick injuries is a serious issue. This timely book describes the diversity of risks faced within these differing settings and sets out the methods by which these risks can be reduced or managed. The authors describe the various blood-borne disease-causing agents and their epidemiology, including hepatitis B, C and D, HIV viruses and bacterial, protozoal and helminthic organisms. Prevention of infection is discussed thoroughly and existing standard procedures are reviewed. Detection, decontamination and post-exposure procedures are also examined. This book is an essential resource for all physicians, general practitioners, nursing and dental staff and laboratory workers who collect and handle blood. It is important reading for all those undertaking medical training, especially those studying for postgraduate qualifications in pathology, infection control and microbiology. It is also a valuable reference source for all public service workers such as the police, prison officers, and community and social workers.

Viral agents of blood-borne infections Bacterial and protozoal agents of blood-borne infections Blood exposure in Europe Epidemiology of blood-borne infections Immunization and post-exposure procedures Prevention of occupational infection in the medical profession Prevention of occupational infection in the dental profession Prevention of occupational infection in nursing care Risks and prevention of occupational infection in phlebotomy Prevention of occupational infections in the laboratory Prevention of occupational infections in transfusion and from blood products Prevention of occupational infection in other services Blood-borne infections: the role of the occupational health service Devices for the prevention of blood-borne infections Detection of inapparent blood spill and splashes Blood spillage and the use of disinfectants Disposal of blood and blood-contaminated waste Review of the Universal Precautions in the UK Review of the US OSHA regulations