Background: Little information about the occupational exposures to blood and body fluid (BBF) among blood service workers (BSWs) in blood stations in China is available currently.
Objectives: To assess current status of occupational exposure to BBF and assess the knowledge about occupational blood-borne pathogen exposures and universal precaution among BSWs in blood donations in China. To understand the incidence of occupational exposure in five blood centres in China.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2013.
Results: There were a total of 99 BBF exposures reported during the study period. The total incidence of BBF exposures was 4.4 per 100 person-years. Higher rates were observed for persons employed less than five years and persons less than 45 years old. Nurses have the highest percentage (49.5%) of BBF exposures. BBF exposures occurred most commonly during the afternoon (62.7%). Percutaneous injuries were the most common BBF exposures. Most incidents occurred during sharps use (73.4%). The major cause of occupational exposure was that there was no continuous training (48.4%) and improper use of equipment (23.2%). Only 56.6% of BBF exposures had appropriate first aid measures. During this research work, one staff member was reported to have seroconverted to syphilis after BBF exposure.
Conclusions: To reduce BBF exposures, it is urgent to take several effective actions in China, including improved occupational health systems, adequate education, administrative support, increased use of standard precautions, better safety devices/products and work practices.
Keywords: blood and body fluid; blood centre; mucous-membrane exposure; occupational exposure; percutaneous injury.
© 2015 British Blood Transfusion Society.