Updated US Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposure to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis

Abstract

Occupational exposure to potentially infectious agents has received great attention because of the advent of HIV and the growing awareness of the possible serious clinical ramifications of hepatitis C. However, there are more than 20 diseases that have been linked to needle-stick injury. The latter group of illnesses are beyond the scope of this chapter but should be considered when developing institutional policies or when providing care for exposed health care personnel (HCP). The following guidelines apply to any health care worker (HCW; e.g., employees, students, contractors, attending clinicians, public safety workers, volunteers).