Accidents with biological material among professionals working in an university Hospital in Goiania, Brazil

Abstract

Health care professionals are under constant risk of biological material hazards,
and one of the most concerning consequences is the transmission of infectious
diseases. The key to avoid occupational accidents is to take standard precautions
when in contact with the patient. This study describes accidents with biological
material that occurred with health workers at Hospital das Clínicas of Federal
University of Goiás (HC/UFG), in the city of Goiânia, central Brazil, between
January 2006 and May 2007. The characteristics of the accident were described,
and the serological status of the professional was established for hepatitis B,
hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV. A total of 46 workers from different professional
categories were attended at a specialized outpatient infectology clinic during
this period. The accidents occurred especially among nursing personnel (50%).
Percutaneous exposure occurred in the majority of cases (87%), especially through
handling of needles and processing materials. There was no seroconversion
during the monitored period. Almost 30% of the exposed health care workers had
not received Hepatitis B vaccine previously. We conclude that there is a need for emphasizing the continued education for the adoption of preventive measures that
reduce the frequency of occupational accidents.