Those of you who guessed B as the answer to our question of the day on hepatitis C were correct!
The chances of transmission are as follows:
| Condition | Notes |
| HIV/AIDS 0.3% | Risk assessment needed prior to administering post exposure prophylaxis |
| Hep C 3%[1] | PCR testing for Hep C virus will give most accurate and reliable indication of transmission |
| Hep B 30% | Consider repeat Hep B booster/ IvIG (local policies) |
| The rule of 3′s | |
The risk is higher with hollow bore needles than with normal needles (e.g. suturing). This data varies widely across specialities. Individuals vaccinated against Hepatitis B have a lower risk of transmission following a needle stick.
The prevalence of needle stick injuries has been estimated to be as high as 33% in a 6 month period for healthcare workers.[2] A good review on needle stick injuries can be read from Bandolier here.
Hep B is the most transmissible of all 3 conditions. As a healthcare professional with a transmittable disease it may preclude you from working in certain specialities e.g. some surgical specialities.
Remember the prevalence of Hepatitis B, HIV and Hepatitis C in the UK is still low (<1% for each).
[1] The risk of Hep C transmission rate varies from 3-5%. If a person is exposed, the usual practice is to PCR the blood for the hepatits C virus .
MS Sulkowski et al. Needlestick transmission of hepatitis C. JAMA 2002 287: 2406-2413.
[2] A study of 75 medical students and interns in New York
F Resnic, MA Noerdlinger. Occupational exposure among medical students and house staff at a New York City medical center. Archives of Internal Medicine 1995 155: 75-80.
Remember, loads more MCQs are available in the members area – its free to join.