universal precautions

Needlestick

Seroconversion

 

HIV

 

Risk seroconversion

- 1 in 250

- 50% less with gloves & blunt needle

 

US Public Health Service Guidelines

- recommend 2 drug therapy for 4 weeks post exposure (AZT and 3TC)

- consider if patient's virus is resistant, and change medications accordingly

 

Hepatitis C

 

Seroconversion risk varied reports