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Med. Pr. 2006;57(4):353-358

HIV infection under laboratory conditions

Ekspozycja na HIV w warunkach pracy laboratorium

Maria Gańczak Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland

Abstract

Laboratory workers are at a particularly high risk of acquiring HIV. Based on the medical literature, selected cases of occupational HIV infections among laboratory workers are presented. Having analyzed specific circumstances connected with occupational exposures, risk factors of such incidents are discussed. The importance of continuing education in the areas of infection control procedures and compliance with universal precautions as well as reporting on occupational exposures to any infectious material in the context of postexposure prophylaxis are pointed as the best ways to achieve a successful outcome in the HIV infection prevention under laboratory conditions. The lack of efficient, multifaceted legislation covering all aspects of occupationalexposure to blood-borne pathogens, still observed in Poland, is stressed.

Key words

occupational HIV exposure, laboratory personnel