[Table/Fig-3]:
Circumstances of exposures to HIV positive source, type of PEP regimens used and reasons for not giving PEP in remaining HCWs:
| Circumstances of exposure | Type of PEP regimen used | Numbers in whom PEP not given | Reason for which PEP was not given in remaining HCWs | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Expanded | ||||
| While taking peripheral venous access through IV cannula | 3 | 3 | 2 | Due to reporting after 72 hours* | 8 |
| While taking sutures | 5 | 3 | 0 | - | 8 |
| Taking blood sample | 4 | 3 | 0 | - | 7 |
| Exposure to non-intact skin by splash of potentially infectious fluid# | 5 | 1 | 1 | PEP indicated but HCW gave negative consent | 7 |
| Exposure to eye or mucus membrane by splash of potentially infectious fluid | 4 | 2 | 0 | - | 6 |
| Exposure to intact skin | 0 | 0 | 4 | PEP not indicated** | 4 |
| While measuring blood sugar from capillary blood by glucometer | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 3 |
| Handling sharp waste | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | 2 |
| Exposure to least infectious material*** | 0 | 0 | 2 | PEP not indicated*** | 2 |
| Subcutaneous administration of drug | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 1 |
| Total | 22 | 17 | 9 | - | 48 |
(HCW- Health Care Worker, PEP-Post Exposure Prophylaxis)
* - As per HICC protocol, PEP was not recommended more than 72 hours after exposure; hence it was not given in these two exposures.
# - Potentially infectious fluid include blood, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, CSF, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, semen and vaginal secretions.
** - Exposure to intact skin has negligible risk of transmission against potential risk of toxicity of PEP drugs; hence as per HICC protocol it was not given. Nonetheless, benefits and risks were explained to HCWs.
*** - Least infectious material include saliva, sputum, tears, vomitus, urine, feces (unless contains visible blood). As per HICC protocol PEP was not recommended in view of insignificant risk of transmission against potential toxicity of PEP drugs. Nonetheless, benefits and risks were explained to HCWs.