HIV serophobia in the mortuary: an algorithm system for handling high-risk forensic cases

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Occupational Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Mortuary workers exhibit significant fear of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, leading to overcautiousness in handling high-risk cases.
• Anxiety persists regarding the potential oversight of unsuspected HIV-1 carriers or the misassumption of safety with seronegative individuals.
• A false sense of security poses risks to mortuary staff and has broader public health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the anxiety and overcautiousness among mortuary workers regarding HIV-1.
• To propose a practical algorithm for the selective handling of unsuspected or unrecognized high-risk cases.
• To ensure compliance with health and safety regulations within mortuary settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of an algorithm system for selective handling of potential high-risk cases.
• Review of existing codes of practice and health and safety principles.
• Consideration of statutory regulations and local safe working practices in mortuaries.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm aims to mitigate anxiety by providing a structured approach to case handling.
• Guidelines are designed to be simple, incorporating safety regulations and local practices.
• Coroner approval is suggested to ensure consistent implementation of the protocol.

Conclusions:

• The algorithm provides a framework for managing risks associated with HIV-1 in mortuary settings.
• Effective implementation requires simple, practical guidelines aligned with safety standards.
• Collaboration with coroners can enhance the consistent application of protocols for occupational safety.