Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Measures to be taken in blood transfusion establishments in order to protect the personnel

There is presently no evidence of AIDS transmission to laboratory workers. Because transmissible agent is suspected, precautions should be taken in laboratories. As a general rule, procedures appropriate for hepatitis B prevention are advised. These procedures concern blood collection, carrying, and processing. Measures should be taken in order to avoid blood spilling and work surfaces should be decontaminated. Disposable material should be preferred, and all potentially contaminated material should be decontaminated before disposal or reprocessing. All personnel should be aware of usual laboratory procedures concerning pipetting, hand washing, protective clothing and of general precautions against viral contaminations.