Sero-prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV in Blood Specimens Received at a Clinical Laboratory in Atbara, Sudan
Abstract
Background: Clinical laboratory personnel, like all healthcare workers, have a high risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne infections from clinical specimens, more so in developing countries, where unsafe practices are common. The most common and important ones are HIV ,HBV, and HCV infections.
Objectives: To determine the sero-prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections in blood samples at a clinical laboratory, and to address the preventive measures. Methods: Blood samples of 385 subjects attended for investigations of noninfectious illnesses were tested for the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV by screening tests and confirmed by ELISA.
Results: Males constituted 63.9%, HIV was confirmed in 0.5%, HBV in 7.8% and HCV in none of the study population.
Conclusion: The risk of blood borne viral disease in blood specimens is remarkable even in non-suspected specimens and protective measures against occupational exposure must be taken in order to prevent infection among laboratory workers.
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