Infection Control · single question
Which bloodborne pathogen has the HIGHEST risk of occupational transmission to healthcare workers?
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Correct answer: C. Hepatitis B (HBV) — highest transmission risk
✓ C) Hepatitis B (HBV) has the highest occupational transmission risk.
Occupational exposure risk after needlestick: HBV (non-immune person) = 6–30% risk of infection; HCV = 1.8%; HIV = 0.3%. HBV is 50–100× more infectious than HIV per needle-stick because it survives on surfaces for 7+ days. THIS is why HBV vaccination is MANDATORY for all healthcare workers (OSHA). Order of risk: HBV > HCV > HIV. Protection: HBV vaccine (3-dose series), universal precautions. Tuberculosis is airborne (not bloodborne).
Occupational exposure risk after needlestick: HBV (non-immune person) = 6–30% risk of infection; HCV = 1.8%; HIV = 0.3%. HBV is 50–100× more infectious than HIV per needle-stick because it survives on surfaces for 7+ days. THIS is why HBV vaccination is MANDATORY for all healthcare workers (OSHA). Order of risk: HBV > HCV > HIV. Protection: HBV vaccine (3-dose series), universal precautions. Tuberculosis is airborne (not bloodborne).
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