title: An analysis of multimodal occupational exposure leading to blood borne infections among health care workers.
abstract: Occupational exposure poses a significant risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens to healthcare workers (HCWs). Adherence to standard precautions, awareness about post exposure prophylaxis is poor in developing countries. This retrospective study analyzes the self-reported cases of occupational exposure in a tertiary care hospital. During the study period, 105 HCWs sustained occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. Majority of the victims 36 (34.2%) were interns and the clinical practice that led to the occupational exposure was withdrawal of blood (45.7%). Good infection control practices and emphasis on appropriate disposal are needed to increase the occupational safety for HCWs.
authors: Institute of Microbiology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: N Lakshmi
authors: NL
authors: Priya
authors: K Usha
authors: KU
authors: Krishnan
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Jayalakshmi
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Vasanthi
mesh_terms: D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers