Bepatitis B virus vaccination rates among medical laboratory workers: A multi-centered assessment

Objective: In this multicenter study, we aimed to determine the rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in medical laboratory workers in Turkey and to discuss the current status. Materials and Methods: We designed this study as prospective, descriptive, epidemiologic research to determine the rates of hepatitis B vaccination in medical laboratory workers. A total of 1359 medical laboratory workers from 26 medical centers, representative of different regions of Turkey, were included in this study. A questionnaire was designed to gather the data on subject planned to apply all the medical laboratory workers. The questionnaire had seven questions in total investigating demographical properties and professional experience of the participants. Results: We determined that HBV vaccine was administered to the 1118 laboratory workers (82.3%). When anti-HBs titer levels of the vaccinated participants were investigated, 741 (54,4%) of the vaccinated participants stated that they had anti-HBs levels above 10 IU/mL. The results of statistical analysis revealed that vaccination rates and occupation groups were correlated among the laboratory staff (p0.05). Anti-HBs positivity was not correlated with any of the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Present study is the first multicenter study to reflect the HBV vaccination rates among laboratory workers across the entire country. Medical laboratory personnel possess the risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection, so that formation of awareness is necessary by education. Anti- HB positivity screened, seronegative all personnel should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and after vaccination anti-HBs should be monitored periodically.