CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

130
ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
To date, there has been no effective vaccine developed to provide immunity
against HIV. Several strains of HIV exist, some of which are similar to those
found in animals. For instance, feline leukemia is thought to be a viral strain
almost identical to that of the HIV strain that infects humans. In some parts
of the world, epidemics of both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 have also occurred. This
poses such a risk to our blood supplies that testing of each unit of blood for
HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 is performed.
Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination
An HBV vaccination is offered to all medical care workers and students. The
risk of contracting HBV is minimal if proper precautions are followed, but close
contact with blood and other body fluids, as well as with patients with the disease,
puts clinical laboratory workers at higher risk than those in the general
population.
1. Category I and II employees having occupational exposure or potential exposure
to blood or other infectious materials are offered the HBV vaccination
at no charge to the employee . The vaccination is made available within 10
working days of initial work assignment unless the employee has previously
received the complete HBV vaccination series and declines immunization
(see item 2) or antibody testing reveals the employee is immune or the vaccine
is contraindicated for medical reasons.
2. Students in occupational areas with potential or likely exposure to bloodborne
and airborne pathogens are required to receive the HBV immunizations
or to sign a declination form indicating that the student is aware of
the risks of not being immunized. By signing a declination form, the student
agrees to hold the clinical facility and the educational institute blameless if
an exposure results in the disease. The student is required to pay for his or
her immunizations and the series of three injections are usually provided for
the student at cost. Students should receive the first vaccine dose before any
patient/client contact and before performing any tasks, procedures, or activities
that involve exposure potential.
3. An antibody titer is a prescreening test that may be offered but is not required
before receiving an HBV vaccination. An antibody titer determines the presence
of already existing antibodies against HBV , and is also offered at no
charge to the employee and at cost to the student. Each employee and student
who tests positive for the antibodies has the right to refuse vaccination
by completing a declination form . Those who later decide to be immunized
against HBV will be offered the immunization at no cost to the employee
and at cost for the student.
4. A repeat vaccination is also offered as a postexposure follow-up for all
instructors, medical employees, or students with an occupational exposure
incident [skin, eye, mucous membrane , or parenteral (intravenous, subcutaneous,
intramuscular , or mucosal ) contact with blood or OPIM]. A simple
repeat vaccination or administration of protective antibodies is a small price
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