Hepatitis B surveillance in employees of a community blood center

Abstract

Over a period of 10 yr, 185 employees of a community blood center were screened for evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Included were laboratory personnel (64%), phlebotomists (27%) and administrative employees (9%). HBV markers were detected in 5.8% of the individuals at the time of enrollment in the study. During the study period, 7 clinical cases of HBV occurred, all in laboratory personnel. Four of the infections were in personnel involved primarily in donor processing. The other 3 were in individuals working in research areas. In addition, 4 asymptomatic HBV infections were identified on the basis of seroconversion from anti-HBs negative to positive. The annual incidence of HBV infection per 100 tested employees at risk (1.6%) indicates that blood bank personnel, despite their frequent exposure to blood, are not at high risk of developing HBV infection.