It is best if a policy is in place locally and the many issues have been considered by a local infection control committee. Since PEP should be started ideally within one to two hours after exposure to HIV, the route to access the appropriate information and drugs must be clear and procedures in place before an exposure occurs. There may not be time to consider this topic thoughtfully and obtain the appropriate drugs after an exposure has occurred. Of course, prevention of exposure to blood must be the first line of defense. The provisional recommendations of the Public Health Service concerning chemoprophylaxis are new and may change.
Caution is expressed throughout the document.
The extremely low rate of occupational infection must be kept in mind. The reader is urged to review the original documents from the CDC and consider this vital topic so that a truly considered opinion can be reached. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.