Abstract

The risk of acquiring blood-born infections such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatit C virus (HCV), and Human Immundeficiency Virus (HIV) are higher for health-workers, particularly surgeons than the normal population. Emergency procedures, high patient blood, long procedures and holding tissue by hand while suturing increase the risk of transmission. Information concerning HBV, HCV and HIV infections are reviewed and utilization of the pre-operative serologic tests are discussed. Regardless of the results of the pre-operative serologic test results of the patients, currently the optimal way of prevention from HBV is vaccination, and following the universal precautions for HCV and HIV.