Risk estimation of blood-borne infections by emergency room personnel

Background. Emergency department personnel are at risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections among trauma patients is higher compared to the general population. Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the compliance rates of trauma team members in applying standard precautions, knowledge about the transmission risk of blood-borne infections and perceived risk of acquiring HIV, HBV and HCV. Methods. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 100 trauma team members including physicians, nurses and medical students from different medical departments (e.g. surgery, radiology, anesthesia and internal medicine). Results. The results of the questionnaire showed that trauma team members had in-sufficient knowledge of the risk of blood-borne pathogens, overestimated the risk of HCV infection and underused standard precautions during treatment of emergency trauma patients. Conclusion. Further educational measures for emergency department personnel are required to increase the knowledge of occupational infections and compliance with standard precautions. Every healthcare worker needs to be sufficiently vaccinated against HBV. In the case of injury awareness of all measures of post-exposure prophylaxis is of utmost importance for affected personnel.