Blood borne virus-innovative approach to evaluate, prevent cross-transmission in dialysis units

Large public health interventions to control infectious disease outbreaks are common, but rigorous evaluation to improve the quality and effectiveness of these is rarely undertaken. This project aimed to prevent blood borne virus (BBV) cross-transmission in dialysis units. Following an incident concerning the diagnosis of acute Hepatitis B in a haemodialysis patient, possibly from healthcare associated acquisition, a multifaceted and multidisciplinary investigation was conducted involving consumers, health professionals and administrations. The results of this investigation were then used to produce practical operational guidelines for planning and future interventions. To date, there has been no incidence reported of any cross-transmission of BBV amongst our dialysis population. The actions implemented can be utilised by other departments in preventing other bacterial or viral outbreaks.