Transfer of hepatitis B virus by contaminated reusable needle electrodes after electrodesiccation in simulated use

Reusable needle electrodes have been standard for electrodesiccation procedures commonly done by dermatologists. This study investigates the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus by such electrodes during simulated use with electrodesiccation. Sterile needle electrodes were inoculated with either purified hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg+) concentrate or serum positive for both HBsAg and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase activity (a measure of infectious and replicating hepatitis B virus), followed by simulated use for electrodesiccation at various settings and rinsing of the tip with negative serum. The rinse serum was then assayed for HBsAg, DNA polymerase activity, and the presence of viral particles by electron microscopy. HBsAg could be transferred through the electrodesiccation procedure at all settings used. Although DNA polymerase activity was negative in the rinse serum, electron microscopy demonstrated transfer of HBsAg forms and complete virus. These results suggest a potential risk of spread of hepatitis B virus by reusable needle electrodes for electrodesiccation.