The prophylaxis of hepatitis B infection

Hepatitis B is a common viral infection that is increasing in incidence. The emergency physician is often responsible for administering prophylactic measures against hepatitis B infection to hospital employees who have sustained percutaneous exposure to blood or blood products and to members of the community who come to the emergency department because of exposure to hepatitis B. Therefore, the emergency physician must be familiar with the current data on the safety and efficacy of available prophylactic measures, hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine, and any protocols for hepatitis B prophylaxis in effect in the institution. The data supporting current recommendations for hepatitis B prophylaxis are reviewed, and a sample protocol is given.