The CDC is investigating possible occupational exposure to HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis among workers at a human nontransplant anatomical donation center in Arizona.
The workers were preparing nontransplant anatomical materials that
are used by universities and companies for medical education and
research. Nontransplant anatomical centers process thousands of cadavers
yearly, according to the MMWR report. The center in question may
not have consistently implemented the standards set forth by the
American Association of Tissue Banks for these donation organizations.
According to the CDC, and cadavers and nontransplant anatomical
materials are considered infectious even if they are known to test
negative for HIV, HBV
and HCV. Bloodborne infections can be transmitted when the infectious
material comes into contact with mucous membranes, nonintact skin or a
percutaneous injury. M. tuberculosis can be transmitted by aerosols generated when manipulating the infectious tissues.
Read more...Labels: occupational exposure, transmission-prevention