UK healthcare workers infected with blood-borne viruses: guidance on risk, transmission, surveillance, and management

Abstract

Occupational exposure of healthcare workers to blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B and C) in the healthcare setting is a growing concern that has prompted the Department of Health and Health Protection Agency to instruct a nationwide surveillance scheme, develop a national policy, and implement guidelines. Apportioned equal consideration, although far less common, is the risk of blood-borne viral transmission from infected healthcare workers to patients, which has also warranted Department of Health guidance, to assist infected healthcare workers, and to minimize the risk to patients.