Monitoring Healthcare Workers for Exposure to Blood Borne Viruses at Workplace: Perspectives from a Tertiary Liver Care Centre in India

Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of exposure to the blood borne viruses (BBVs). Implementation of protocol based monitoring of exposure and prevention from BBVs is essential for HCW safety.

Four hundred and seventy six HCWs at our tertiary liver care centre were monitored for exposure to (Needlestick injuries, NSIs), over a period from 2010 to 2014. History of HBV vaccination was obtained and unvaccinated individuals were vaccinated, Anti HBs tires were measured. Information on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards BBVs was obtained in 113 HCW of different categories.

Of 476 HCWs, 81.3% were fully vaccinated, 3.8% were incompletely vaccinated, 10.3% were unvaccinated and 5% were unaware of their vaccination status. Vaccination coverage in doctors and nurses (93% & 88% respectively) was significantly higher than that in technical and other staff (37% & 24% respectively) (p<0.001). Three hundred and three 63.6% of 476 HCWs had anti-HBs titres more than 100 mIU/ml, and 98 (20.5%) had titres between 10–100 mIU/ml. Three HCWs were found to be vaccine non-responders. Though no relationship could be established. KAP survey done in 113 HCWs showed that laboratory technicians possessed highest knowledge while nurses demonstrated best attitude and practices. A total of 79 incidences of NSIs occurred over the study period, 47% in doctors, 29.1% in nurses and 21.5% in general duty assistants.

Despite good vaccination coverage, waning antibody titres were seen in a sizeable population. It is crucial to periodically assess antibody levels and maintain sero-protection in HCWs by booster doses when needed. A robust reporting system for NSIs is mandatory. Awareness about the risk of exposure to BBVs and the preventive measures should be inculcated among HCWs.