Bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers: managing and reducing risks
Managing occupational exposures to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in healthcare workers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) no longer collects data on occupational exposure as the Significant Occupational Exposures surveillance system has been suspended.
Exposure risks to healthcare workers
Healthcare workers are potentially exposed to bloodborne viruses (BBVs) while they work via:
- percutaneous routes, where a sharp object cuts or penetrates the skin
- mucocutaneous routes, which include contamination of the nose, eyes, broken skin or mouth
Healthcare workers include:
- clinical staff who have regular clinical contact with patients
- laboratory staff who have direct contact with potentially infectious clinical specimens
- non-clinical support staff who may have contact with patients, but not usually of a prolonged or close nature
The risk of a BBV being transmitted depends on:
- the viral load in the infected source patient
- the depth of the injury
- whether the procedure involved placing a needle in a patient’s vein or artery
Significant exposures
A significant exposure is a percutaneous or mucocutaneous exposure to blood or other body fluids from a source patient who is infected with:
- HIV
- hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg positive)
- hepatitis C
Data collection
Data is no longer collected on occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses as the Significant Occupational Exposures surveillance system has been suspended.
Epidemiology
The UKHSA Eye of the needle report on significant occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers has now been withdrawn as it is out of date. The Significant Occupational Exposures surveillance system was suspended in 2021 and no further data is being collected.
HIV
HIV: surveillance, data and management
UK guideline for the use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis 2021, British HIV Association (BHIVA)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B: guidance data and analysis
See Immunisation against infectious diseases: the green book on vaccination against hepatitis B and immunisation of healthcare and laboratory staff.
Hepatitis C
Guidance on the investigation and management of occupational exposure to hepatitis C, Communicable Disease and Public Health (CDPH) 1999
Management of bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers
UK Advisory Panel for healthcare workers living with bloodborne viruses gives advice about the transmission and management of BBVs in healthcare workers and keeps a confidential register of infected workers.
Management of blood borne viruses within the Haemodialysis Unit, UK Kidney Association
RIDDOR: Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Updates to this page
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Updated with information that the Significant Occupational Exposures surveillance system has been suspended and with updated links to the management of bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers.
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Removed links to guidance that are no longer in use.
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Updated guidance for data collection and submitting an exposure report to reflect the current ongoing review of the Significant Occupational Exposures surveillance system.
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First published.