Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. experience in a children hospital Exposición laboral a sangre y fluidos corporales. Experiencia en un hospital pediátrico

Abstract

We review the Hospital de Niños Dr. Exequiel González Cortés's experience on blood and body fluids exposure of healthcare team, from January 1992 to December 1999. This kind of exposure increases the risk of acquiring several infections such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and others, depending on infection prevalence, transmissibility and personnel's immunologic condition. In our experience the most affected personnel are nurses, meanwhile the most frecuent type of exposure are hypodermic needle accidental punctures. The accidents occur frecuently during procedures, but an important number of punctures affects non staff members because of a deficient disposition of needles and similars. Prevention of this episodes is based on the execution of standard precautions, immunisation of healthcare team and/or specific prophylaxis after exposure, according to pathogens involved. This topic must be a major objective in healthcare personnel training programs.