The estimated risk is between 0.3 and 0.4%. Almost all known seroconversions
among health care workers have involved a needlestick with a hollow bore needle.
The risk after blood contact with skin or mucus membranes is too low to measure.
However, seroconversion has been documented after blood contact with an open
wound. Deep sticks with a relatively large amount of blood in the needle are
obviously associated with a greater likelihood of infection. Likewise, more
advanced disease in the source patient is associated with an increased risk.
Hepatitis C
The estimated risk is between 3% and 10%.
Hepatitis B
The estimated risk is between 10% and 30%. Those patients who are hepatitis
Be antigen positive are most infectious.
