OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost of management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF) in healthcare facilities in China.

METHODS: A survey was conducted from August to October 2018, seeking general information concerning the management of occupational exposures to BBF and cost of the management process according to the protocol of each individual healthcare facility. In total, 211 healthcare facilities were surveyed using a stratified sampling method. The survey was conducted using a web-based form and protocol uploading system. The information collected includes direct cost such as laboratory testing fee, drug cost and medical service fee, and indirect cost such as wage, lost working time, injury compensation, psychological counseling time, etc.

RESULTS: The cost of BBF post-exposure management varies greatly in infection status of the exposure source patients, the immune status of exposed employees, and the location and level of healthcare facilities. The mean values of the management cost are ¥5,936 ($897), ¥5,738 ($867), ¥4,508 ($681), ¥12,709 ($1,920) and ¥7,441 ($1,124) for HBV positive source, HCV positive source, TP positive source, HIV positive source and Unknown source, respectively. These numbers are higher than previously reported, and the variations among healthcare facilities are wide.

CONCLUSIONS: The cost of managing BBF exposure is an economic burden in China. Some healthcare facilities, particularly those in rural areas, have insufficient post-exposure management. More effective prevention methods should be put in place to minimize exposure and cost.