Hepatitis B surveillance in employees of a community blood center

Over a period of 10 years, 185 employees of a community blood center were screened for evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Included were laboratory personnel (64%), phlebotomists (27%), and administrative employees (9%). HBV markers were detected in 5.8 percent of the individuals at the time of enrollment in the study. During the study period, seven clinical cases of HBV occurred, all in laboratory personnel. Four of the infections were in personnel involved primarily in donor processing. The other three were in individuals working in research areas. In addition, four asymptomatic HBV infections were identified on the basis of seroconversion from anti-HBs negative to positive. The annual incidence of HBV infection per 100 tested employees at risk (1.6%) indicates that blood bank personnel, despite their frequent exposure to blood, are not at high risk of developing HBV infection.