Author/Editor		Kalan, Gregor
Title		Autopsies and risk of infection with hepatotrophic viruses
Type		članek
Source		In: Ferlan-Marolt V, Luzar B, editors. Viral hepatitis. Proceedings of the 35th memorial meeting to professor Janez Plečnik with international participation; 2004 Dec 2-3; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Faculty of medicine, Institute of pathology,
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 247-56
Language		eng
Abstract		Background/Aims: The risk of potential infectious disease transmission has long been recognized for prosectors, observers, and other persons in close proximity to an autopsy. Among health professionals, pathologists represent a high-risk group for occupationally acquired hepatitis B and C, as well as other pathogens. Agent-specific degrees of risk have been clearly established for biomedical and microbiologic laboratories. Nevertheless, similar standards have not been well defined for autopsy facilities. The present article reviews the literature on how to achieve appropriate prosector protection from biohazards like viral hepatitis. Conclusions: To minimize risks, standardized precautions should be followed, including proper training of personnel, and work practices together with procedures instituted as a result of risk assessment. Personal protective equipment, employee health surveillance and vaccination are mandatory, as well as proper autopsy facility design and equipment. Biosafety principles that have been clearly established for clinical and biomedical research laboratories, can also be applied to autopsy facilities.
Descriptors		HEPATITIS, VIRAL, HUMAN AUTOPSY OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE RISK ASSESSMENT