Healthcare workers are at risk for transmission of HIV via percutaneous injury (most commonly) or mucosal membrane exposure. Post-exposure prophylaxis provides a treatment strategy to prevent transmission of HIV among healthcare workers who have been exposed to a high-risk source. In this article, the likelihood of risk of transmission, issues surrounding testing source patients, and factors to consider when initiating post-exposure prophylaxis following occupational exposure to HIV in an intensive care setting are reviewed.
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