Can Someone with HIV or Hepatitis Still Draw Blood?
One of the most common questions received at the Center for Phlebotomy Education is whether or not someone with hepatitis or HIV can work as a phlebotomist or draw blood in any other capacity. Until recently, current information on the subject has been scant and vague. Last month, an updated guideline was published from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) for managing healthcare providers who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and/or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).(1) Founded in 1980 to advance the application of the science of healthcare epidemiology, SHEA’s mission is to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings.(2) The guideline replaces those published in 1997. Noted Trends Although over 20 infectious diseases have been known to be transmitted by needlestick injuries, HBV, HCV, and HIV remain the greatest concern in terms of provider-to-patient transmission. Despite widespread use of the hepatitis B vaccine,
