Med Lav
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The report of transmission of viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), from health care workers (HCWs) to patient has alarmed public opinion with potential repercussions on health organisation. ⋯ Efforts to prevent surgeon-to-patient transmission of blood-borne infections should focus not only on ascertaining the infection status of the HCW but principally on eliminating the cause of blood-borne exposures, for example by the use of blunt suture needles, improved instruments, reinforced gloves, changes in surgical technique and the use of less invasive alternative procedures. These measures should be implemented in order to minimize the risk of blood exposure and consequently of virus transmission both to and from HCW to patients.