Reducing blood and body fluid exposures among clinical laboratory workers. Meeting the OSHA standards.
This article examines risks and exposure patterns in clinical laboratories to help identify the most effective methods for implementing the OSHA standard for protection against bloodborne pathogens, especially hepatitis B virus and the human immunodeficiency virus. Using eye-opening figures, tables, and statistics, the authors identify areas where clinical laboratorians can improve their protection and conclude by offering three strategies for reducing blood and body fluid exposures in clinical laboratories.
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
J
J
Jagger
D E
DE
Detmer
M L
ML
Cohen
P R
PR
Scarr
R D
RD
Pearson
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D001769:Blood / Q000382:microbiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D007757:Laboratory Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; D014768:Virginia