Preventing Hepatitis B Transmission in the Perioperative Environment: Focus on Policies and Procedures

Health care workers can become infected with the hepatitis B virus through direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials during the performance of their duties. Vaccination is the best way to prevent transmission of hepatitis B in the perioperative setting. The next best thing is to have rational policies that are followed by all and are based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Standard. Other measures can include modifying work practices, reengineering needed sharps, and eliminating unsafe sharps in the health care environment. All levels of staff, including physicians, registered nurses, and surgical technicians, must be involved in the development of the policy, compliance with procedures and policies, and periodic review.