POPLINE Document Number: 051029
Corporate Author(s):
United States. Centers for Disease Control [CDC]
United States. Public Health Service
Source citation:
MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT, 1985 Nov 15;34(45):681-95.
Abstract:
This document includes detailed recommendations for precautions to prevent the transmission of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) virus and other blood-borne infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis B) in the workplace. Since the type of nonsexual contact that generally takes place between workers and their clients or consumers has been documented to pose no risk of transmitting the AIDS virus, routine antibody screening is not recommended for groups such as health care workers and food preparers and servers. Health care workers are at potential risk of contracting the AIDS virus only through parenteral exposure to a needle of other sharp instrument contaminated with the blood of an infected patient; thus, protocols should be developed for the safe handling and disposal of all sharp instruments. In cases where a health care worker is possibly exposed, the source patient should be evaluated clinically and epidemiologically for the likelihood of AIDS infection. If AIDS infection is possible, the patient should be requested to undergo serologic testing. To prevent worker-patient transmission, all health care personnel should wear gloves when in direct contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin of patients and should avoid direct patient care if they have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis. Routine serologic testing of health care workers who do not perform invasive procedures is discouraged. Sterilization, disinfection, housekeeping, and waste disposal procedures currently in place in health and dental facilities are adequate to protect against infection. In general, recommendations designed to prevent the spread of hepatitis B--a hardier and more infectious virus--will be adequate to prevent workplace transmission of the AIDS virus.
Keywords:
United StatesIndex page
Recommendations
AIDS Prevention
AIDS
HIV Prevention
HIV Transmission
Communicable Disease Control
Hospital Personnel
Screening
Labor Force
Employment-Based Services
Transmission
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Health Personnel
Examinations and Diagnoses
Human Resources
Economic Factors
Programs
Organization and Administration
Infections