This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
CDC: Infection exposure possible at nontransplant anatomical donation center
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
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.
CDC and Arizona public health officials are notifying former workers and are offering cost-free testing for HIV, HBV, HCV and M. tuberculosis, as well as counseling. The end users of the materials, such as the scientists and physicians using them for training and research, are believed to be at lower risk because of the reduced survival and infectivity of the organisms and are being notified when possible. Other workers at the center, such as waste treatment, storage and transportation workers, are not considered to be at risk unless there is a spill of infectious material.
“Employers must comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which requires a written exposure control plan, use of engineering and work practice controls, appropriate personal protective equipment, and provision of hepatitis B vaccine to employees assigned to jobs with occupational exposure risk,” the officials wrote.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts