AI Article Synopsis
- - The practice of testing for bloodborne pathogens (BPs) after occupational fingernail scratches (OFSs) was reviewed, highlighting concerns over its necessity given that fingernails typically don't carry blood.
- - Historical data over 14 years showed no transmission of bloodborne pathogens from OFS incidents, and literature review found no articles linking OFS to BP concerns.
- - The facility decided to discontinue this testing practice due to its ineffectiveness, potential complications, and the realization that even established procedures should be re-evaluated regularly based on scientific evidence.
Article Abstract
Following occupational fingernail scratches (OFSs) in a developmental center, the source resident and the injured employee were tested for bloodborne pathogens (BPs). The pros and cons of this practice were scrutinized since fingernails usually contain no blood. Available records revealed no OFS-related BP transmission in 14 years. PubMed displayed no article linking OFS with BP. The facility's practice was discontinued as it was deemed unnecessary, wasteful, an impediment to the event's expeditious closure, an ineffective workers' compensation safeguard, and a potential source of venipuncture-related complications and false-positive laboratory results. Even long-standing practices require periodic scientific review.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2574321 | PMC |
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