Bloodborne viruses (BBVs) in healthcare workers
Health clearance and management of healthcare workers infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV and surveillance of occupational exposures.
Healthcare workers are subject to health clearance for bloodborne viruses (BBVs):
- hepatitis B
- hepatitis C
- HIV
These measures are designed to protect patients from exposure in the clinical care setting. UK guidance sets out the requirements for this health clearance and describes clearance and monitoring arrangements for healthcare workers infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV who wish to perform exposure prone procedures (EPPs).
Healthcare workers are at risk of occupational exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV from needlestick injuries and other injuries sustained at work.
Guidance for healthcare workers infected with BBV
See UK Advisory Panel for Healthcare Workers Infected with Bloodborne Viruses (UKAP) for further guidance.
Reporting significant occupational exposures
Last updated 8 October 2021 + show all updates
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Added 'Bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers: report exposures and reduce risks'.
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Added ‘Hepatitis C: risk in healthcare workers pre 2007 clearance review’.
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Added 'Bloodborne viruses (BBVs) in HCWs: health clearance and management' under guidance for healthcare workers infected with BBV.
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First published.