Actitud a seguir en el caso de accidente biológico

Transmission of the human immunodeficiency v i rus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), from a seropositive patient to a health c a re worker, can occur by accidental pricking with a needle or by wounds caused by cutting instru ments. Although these exposures are not fre q u e n t , their medical and legal implications for sanitary personnel are important. Recommendations of post-exposure pro p h y l a x i s should be available to all health care workers with an assistencial function, because of the risk of transmission of contagious diseases with high mor b i - m o rtality and the necessity of having a stru c t u ral secuence of action. With this objective we per formed this review and update of the “steps to follow in case of a biological accident”, focussing on practical issues.