OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF INFECTION WITH HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

The risk of HIV infection in surgical settings is a composite of overlapping risks related to the local prevalence of HIV, the route of exposure to HIV-infected blood, and the susceptibility of the worker. Exposure to blood through the percutaneous route is more likely to transmit HN than is exposure through mucous membrane or cutaneous contact. Studies suggest that the risk of blood contact, including percutaneous injuries, remains appreciable. In these studies, percutaneous injury rates varied by surgical speciality, type of procedure, and occupation. Prevention of such exposures in the operating and delivery rooms by adoption of safer instruments, work practices, and techniques, and by the consistent use of appropriate personnel protective equipment must be viewed as a priority.