Volume 73 Number 6 October 2006	back to contents

Address all correspondence to David P. Calfee, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Hospital Epidemiologist and Infection Control Officer, Box 1151, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029; email: david.calfee@mssm.edu

Adapted from a Grand Rounds presentation to the Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY on January 25 2005, and updated as of May 2006.

Abstract

Occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids places health care workers at risk for acquisition of bloodborne pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Utilizing appropriate techniques, personal protective equipment, and safer “sharp” technology can minimize the risk of these exposures. When exposure does occur, immediate evaluation and initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis, when indicated. can substantially reduce the risk of transmission of HIV. In this article, the basic concepts of exposure prevention and management are reviewed.

Key Words

HIV, occupational exposure, needlestick injury, precautions, post-exposure prophylaxis.

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