[Risk of infection with hepatitis B virus in laboratory staff (author's transl)]

Considerable differences were discovered when 61 student technicians and 86 qualified laboratory staff were investigated for presence of hepatitis B (surface) antigen and hepatitis B (surface) antibodies in the blood. HBs antigen was not found in the trainees whereas 4.7% of the qualified personnel were HBs antigen positive. Anti-HBs could be demonstrated in 6.6% of the trainees and in 36.1% of qualified technicians. These data demonstrate the considerable risk of medical personnel from hepatitis B virus particularly in laboratories. For prophylaxis of virus hepatitis B in laboratory personnel special hygienic measures, routine blood investigations for HBs antigen and anti-HBs, the planned placing of anti-HBs positive personnel and the value of passive immunisation with anti-HBs immunoglobulins are stressed.