California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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Following a needlestick injury, which bloodborne pathogen poses the greatest risk of exposure to a phlebotomy technician?

HIV
Hepatitis C virus HCV
Hepatitis B virus HBV
Syphilis

The correct answer is: Hepatitis B virus HBV

The combination of factors related to transmission rates and the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the healthcare environment makes it the bloodborne pathogen that poses the greatest risk following a needlestick injury. Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus, with a significant potential for transmission through percutaneous exposure, such as a needlestick. In addition, Hepatitis B has a higher risk of transmission compared to HIV, which, while a serious concern, has a lower per-exposure risk from needlestick injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk of HBV transmission from needlesticks can be as high as 30%, while the risk of HIV transmission is approximately 0.3%. Furthermore, Hepatitis B is often more prevalent in the general population compared to HIV, which means that the likelihood of encountering an infected individual in a healthcare setting is greater. Moreover, Hepatitis B can survive outside of the body for up to a week, leading to potential risk even after the initial exposure. While Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is also a serious concern, the overall transmission risk from needlestick injuries is lower compared to HBV, despite HCV being more prevalent in certain populations. Syphilis