Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Objective: The infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses pose a serious occupational risk for the healthcare workers especially those in emergency services, laboratories and surgery wards. Vaccination and establishment of the strict biosafety procedures are the main principles to prevent blood-borne infections in healthcare workers. Additionally, serological screening of the preoperative patients could decrease the risk for exposure. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV 1/2 in preoperative patients.
Methods: Hospital automation records were evaluated retrospectively for 4.367 patients who were scheduled for surgery and scanned for anti-HIV 1/2, HBsAg and anti-HCV as preoperative procedures in the preparation period of operation between January 2012 and December 2012.
Results: HBsAg positivity rate was found in 7.7% (n=336), anti-HCV positivity rate was found in 2.3% (n=101). A two (0.05%) of five patients were positive for anti-HIV 1/2 was found positive verification test and the other three samples were accepted as false positive test results.
Conclusion: All healthcare workers must be trained about occupational diseases and vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Universal precautions must be strictly followed particularly in the operating room. In addition, all patients should be considered as potential carriers regarded as a carrier of the potential for infection.