Clinics in liver disease
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Clinics in liver disease · Feb 2010
ReviewUS outbreak investigations highlight the need for safe injection practices and basic infection control.
Current understanding of viral hepatitis transmission in United States health care settings indicates progress over the past several decades with respect to the risks from transfusions or blood products. Likewise, risks to health care providers from sharps injuries and other blood and body fluid exposures have been reduced as a consequence of widespread hepatitis B vaccination and the adoption of safer work practices. Increasing recognition of outbreaks involving patient-to-patient spread of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections, however, has uncovered a disturbing trend. This article highlights the importance of basic infection control and the need for increased awareness of safe injection practices.
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Clinics in liver disease · Feb 2010
ReviewHealth care workers as source of hepatitis B and C virus transmission.
Transmission of hepatitis B and C from health care workers to patients remains rare in developed medical care systems but may be more common in systems that are still developing. Since the 1970s, at least 69 health care workers infected with hepatitis B or C have been implicated in transmission of their infection. ⋯ Management of infected providers is also discussed. National guidelines are compared, highlighting different countries' approaches to this complex challenge.
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Clinics in liver disease · Feb 2010
ReviewHealth care-associated hepatitis B and C viruses: legal aspects.
The risk of hepatitis B and C transmission in health care settings has generated considerable attention within the legal system. This article begins with an overview of the relevant sources of law and then explores legal duties and liability arising from two major categories of risk: occupational risks to health care providers and health care-associated risks to patients and other third parties.
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Clinics in liver disease · Feb 2010
ReviewInfection control guidelines for prevention of health care-associated transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses.
Viral hepatitis was first identified as an occupational hazard for health care workers more than 60 years ago. For the past few decades, hepatitis B has been one of the most significant occupational infectious risks for health care providers. ⋯ This article reviews patient-to-provider, patient-to-patient, and provider-to-patient transmission of hepatitis B and C in the health care setting. Current prevention strategies, precautions, and guidelines are discussed.