Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with various risks, including the exposure of infectious agents. Objectives: The study aims at describing the incidence of blood and body fluid (BBF) exposure in a COVID-19 facility so as viral transmission potential through blood. Methods: A descriptive study of BBF exposure notified was carried out in a community hospital in Qatar. Results: In 2020, 29 needlesticks injuries were reported, which is a significant increase compared to the year 2019 (6 incidents) and 2018 (5 incidents). No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was shown concerning the injury using symptoms monitoring and lab test. Conclusion: The increased risk of BBF exposure during the pandemic provides insight into the need to review the prevention practices of occupational exposure during pandemics. Additional studies are required to define the risk of COVID-19 related to occupational exposure to BBF.
Highlights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with various risks, including the exposure of infectious agents
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caught the attention of risks associated with healthcare, including exposure to infectious agents and the adverse psychological effects on healthcare professionals.[1-3]
The study describes the incidence of blood and body fluid (BBF) exposure in a COVID-19 facility and the potential of viral transmission through blood
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with various risks, including the exposure of infectious agents. Objectives: The study aims at describing the incidence of blood and body fluid (BBF) exposure in a COVID-19 facility so as viral transmission potential through blood. Additional studies are required to define the risk of COVID-19 related to occupational exposure to BBF. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caught the attention of risks associated with healthcare, including exposure to infectious agents and the adverse psychological effects on healthcare professionals.[1-3]. For blood and body fluid (BBF) exposure, and especially needlestick injuries, various factors favor its incidence, including the overwhelming number of patients assisted during the pandemic, shortages of staff, long in-service hours, and psychological distress.[5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
