Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):
The average risk of seroconversion after a needlestick injury from a confirmed HIV source is approximately 0.3 percent without post-exposure therapy. Certain factors contribute to elevated risk:
- Increased depth of the puncture wound.
- Visible blood on the needle.
- Needle used in the vein or artery of the patient.
- Patient with terminal HIV as the source of the fluid.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV):
The risk of acquiring hepatitis secondary to HBV percutaneous exposure varies based on the serological status of the patient. In the worst case scenario, if the patient has active replication of the virus (indicated by HBeAg-positive blood) then the risk of developing clinical hepatitis is as high as 31 percent. When the patient has HBsAg-positive blood but is HBeAg-negative (indicating a less infective state), the risk is significantly lower, about 1 to 6 percent.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV):
The risk of HCV seroconversion after a needlestick injury from a patient infected with HCV is approximately 1.8 percent. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support post-exposure treatment as a means to decrease the risk of infection.