Blood-borne virus transmission in healthcare settings in Ireland: review of patient notification exercises 1997–2011

Remembering the importance of preventing blood‐borne infections in the critical care setting

“…Transmission of BBVs in health care settings was believed to occur most frequently during EPPs; however, there is growing evidence of patient‐to‐patient transmission via other routes (Donohue et al ., ) including deficient policies and procedures, improper hand hygiene, preparation of medication in blood processing areas, blood glucose monitoring, common‐use saline bags, reuse of syringes, reuse of single‐dose vials and use of multi‐dose drug vials (Kermode et al ., ; Greeley et al ., ; Donohue et al ., ). Perz et al .…”

“…Feedback from surveillance and good communication informs staff of risks and of appropriate precautions. A study by Donohue et al (2012) included recommendations such as enhanced surveillance of BBV notifications; sufficient laboratory resources; improved hospital information systems; the establishment of a national register of possible incidents of BBV transmission and that findings of investigations should be published. These would contribute to the further prevention of BBV within the health care setting.…”

“…Transmission of BBVs in health care settings was believed to occur most frequently during EPPs; however, there is growing evidence of patient-to-patient transmission via other routes (Donohue et al, 2012) including deficient policies and procedures, improper hand hygiene, preparation of medication in blood processing areas, blood glucose monitoring, common-use saline bags, reuse of syringes, reuse of singledose vials and use of multi-dose drug vials (Kermode et al, 2005;Greeley et al, 2011;Donohue et al, 2012). Perz et al (2012) concluded that health care exposures may represent an important source of new HBV and HCV infections among older adults especially in ambulatory care settings through reduced oversight and fewer infection control resources.…”