Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in a specialized care service in Brazil

Abstract

In a retrospective study about the epidemiology of exposure to bloodborne pathogens among health care providers, 71.10% of the analyzed events occurred among health professionals, mainly auxiliary nurses. Percutaneous exposure (83.04%) was the most frequent. Greater advances are necessary in the development of public policies for this issue in terms of inspection of regulatory norms and raising the professionals' awareness through policy and education.

Keywords: Exposure of body fluids to mucosal membranes; Health care providers; Percutaneous injuries.