The epidemiology of fear. Scientific, social, and political responses to the occupational risk of blood-borne infection.
Pathologists will have an important role in implementing safety precautions to prevent transmission of blood-borne diseases in the laboratory and elsewhere in the healthcare setting. This article reviews proposed professional and regulatory solutions in the context of widespread public and professional fear concerning occupational transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus. The proposed rule of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor, Washington, DC, is described in detail.
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United Hospital, Port Chester, NY 10573.
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D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D005239:Fear; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010336:Pathology; D010819:Physician's Role; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence