title: Cost analysis of a needle stick protocol.
abstract: A protocol for prophylaxis against hepatitis B in an employee health program was analyzed for cost-effectiveness. Over a three-year period, 302 needle-stick incidents involving 282 employees and 234 patients were reported. No new HBsAg-positive patients or employees were identified, and 6% of employees were found to be anti-HBs positive. Given the low prevalence rate of hepatitis B infection in our population, cost analysis supported curtailment of serologic screening for routine needle-stick exposures.
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D009339:Needles; D010361:Patients; D010564:Personnel, Hospital
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens