OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard aims to limit occupational transmission
Article Abstract:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published a standard to protect all workers who are exposed to potentially infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen and saliva, as well as tissues or organs. All employers must comply with the standard as of July 6, 1992. It includes not only hospitals and research laboratories, but also correctional institutions, funeral homes and medical equipment repair companies. It does not cover students or volunteers, and also does not cover state, county or municipal facilities. However, employees in states that have their own OSHA program would be covered. The standard includes guidelines based on universal precautions to minimize exposure to blood, and includes special instructions for employees in research laboratories who work with viruses. Employers must vaccinate employees against the hepatitis B virus, and must keep records on any employee who is exposed to infectious material. Containers used to store or transport infectious material must be labeled as a biohazard.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Cardiologists broaden use of stents
Article Abstract:
The use of stents is rising rapidly. Stents are metallic mesh tubes used to hold coronary arteries open. Since achieving FDA approval two years ago, use has risen from 10% to 40% in procedures to open blocked coronary arteries. New techniques undergoing study include using ultrasound instead X-ray imaging to guide the procedure and using radioactive implants to reduce scar formation within the vessel. Although using stents reduces the number of patients whose arteries renarrow, they do not save money. The reduction in repeat procedures does not offset the additional cost of using stents.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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