Effect of multiple use of dialyzers on hepatitis B incidence in patients and staff

JAMA. 1981 Jan 9;245(2):166-7.

Abstract

Data pertaining to incidence of hepatitis B from a 1976 Center for Disease Control Study were matched with responses from a Renal Physicians Association survey on dialyzer reuse in the United States. Of 6,079 patients, 166 (2.7%) became positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in 96 centers practicing reuse, whereas 495 (2.6%) of 18,947 became HBsAg positive in 439 centers practicing single use. Among staff, 75 (2.5%) of 3,049 became positive for HBsAg in centers practicing reuse vs 200 (2.3%) of 8,696 in centers not reusing dialyzers. Incidence of infection among staff associated with a center having at least one HBsAg-positive patient was 2.9% in centers practicing reuse vs 3.6% in centers practicing single use. Nearly all (95%) staff who became HBsAg positive were associated with centers having at least one HBsAg-positive patient. The practice of reusing dialyzers does not appear to be associated with increased risk of hepatitis B infection among patients and staff.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Disposable Equipment
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / transmission
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Kidneys, Artificial / instrumentation*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects
  • Risk
  • United States

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens