Transmission - Bloodborne Viruses (BBVs) and Occupational Exposure

The risk of a BBV being transmitted is related to the numbers of people infected with the virus in the community, route of exposure, virus and viral level in the infected individual.

Transmission can occur through:

• Transfusion of blood and tissue products, screening for all three viruses virtually eliminates the risk of transmission, but is still possible in the "window period" before antibody appears.
• Sexual contact, mother to child and the reuse of injecting drug devices in injecting drug users.
• Other practices eg tattooing, body piercing, and acupuncture are all possible routes of transmission if sterilization procedures are inadequate or technique poor.
  Contaminated medical and dental equipment.

Last reviewed: 18 August 2008