Hello MCOH colleagues,

In your MCOH occupational BBP evaluation protocol, do you do the following?

If the case is classified as BBP exposure, obtaining baseline testing of the exposed is indicated, even when source testing is available, and negative.

For the exposed employee:

Assess Hep B immunity status (obtain titer or verify documented immunity), and complete the clinician written medical opinion. Obtain HCV and HIV baseline testing on the exposed. If exposed declines baseline testing, ask exposed to sign declination.  If exposed agrees to baseline testing blood draw, but declines HIV test, employer must store blood for 90 days in case exposed changes mind and would like HIV test done.

In addition to UTD clinical guidance (CDC/USPHS) which do not outline the need for exposed baseline testing if source is negative, for occupational exposures, in accordance with OSHA guidance, we must/should offer the exposed baseline testing.

Agree/disagree?

This OSHA Q/A helped me to refresh on this topic.

Thanks!

Margaret Hasek, MD, MPH, FACOEM, FACPM

Chicago, IL