Blood Borne Viruses (BBV)
Introduction
The following are classed as blood borne viruses:
HIV
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
This section will also refer to hepatitis A (HAV). It is possible to transmit HAV via sharing injecting equipment. Since many of the characteristics of risk taking behaviour are the same as risk taking sexual behaviour, hepatitis A will also be covered. It is possible to receive vaccination that combines both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Other BBV to follow.
Guidance for clinical health care workers: protection against infection with blood-borne viruses
Recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS and the Advisory Group on Hepatitis
Department of Health
This booklet contains guidance on measures to protect clinical health care workers (HCWs) against occupational infection with blood-borne viruses (BBVs). It is based on the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS and the Advisory Group on Hepatitis. It draws also on work done by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens and the Microbiology Advisory Committee.
The booklet may also be used as a basis for drawing up guidelines for those in allied occupations, e.g. persons dealing with contaminated equipment, who may be exposed occupationally to a risk of BBV infection. Some advice is given on the disposal of clinical waste, and the labelling and transport of specimens which have implications for the safety of others. Adherence to the recommendations will also provide protection from BBV infection to patients and other persons present in the health care setting.
This document covers known BBVs including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are practical advantages in adopting common infection control policies to prevent the transmission of BBVs, and this is reflected in the guidance.
Link to Department of Health site
