Investigation and thinking on an event of HIV occupational exposure in health care workers

Abstract:

ObjectiveTo evaluate HIV occupational exposure in health care workers(HCWs) in a hospital, and find the existing problems and aim directly at improving the management of occupational protection. MethodsAn event of HIV occupational exposure in HCWs occurred on March, 2007 was investigated retrospectively and the serological followup monitor was performed. ResultsThirtysix HCWs were involved in this occupational exposure event. Exposure rate to the intact skin, injury site and mucous membrane was 72.22% (26 persons), 25.00% (9 persons) and 2.78% (1 person) respectively. Only one person (2.78%) received emergent treatment. 12 months followup observation of HCWs showed that all the serological tests of HIV were negative. ConclusionHealth care workers are high risk population of HIV occupational exposure, there are potential problems in the occupational protection in this hospital, the education and training must be strengthened.