[Table of Contents]

Volume: 23S2 • March 1997

AN INTEGRATED PROTOCOL TO MANAGE HEALTH CARE WORKERS EXPOSED TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Recommendations for an Integrated Protocol

7. Definitions

Immune to HBV a HCW who has known documentation of an anti-HBs level >= 10 IU/L when tested following the complete HB immunization series, or has an anti-HBs level >= 10 IU/L, or is anti-HBc+, or is HBsAg+ from hepatitis B infection.

Susceptible to HBV a HCW who, after HBV immunization, has an inadequate anti-HBs level (< 10 IU/L) when done 4 to 8 weeks after completing the immunization series, or when there is no history of HB immunization and tests for anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and HBsAg are all negative.

Non-responder a HCW who has had two complete series of HB vaccine and has tested anti-HBs negative (< 10 IU/L) post HB immunization after each of the series.

Unknown HBV status when there are no results available from previous testing for suitable HBV serologic markers (anti-HBs for post-vaccination response, anti-HBc for natural infection) regardless of whether the HCW has received HB immunization or has a clinical history of hepatitis.

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