Visser, AdeleVisser, Hilgaard FransRichter, Karin Louise2010-04-152010-04-152009Visser, A, Visser, HF & Richter, KL 2009, 'Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): A practical guide', SA Orthopaedic Journal, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 60-65. [http://www.charpublications.co.za/C_JournalsORTH.asp]1681-150Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/13948Occcupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens pose a major threat to health care workers (HCEs), with more than half a million reported cases annually in the USA alone. South African statistics are limited, but small studies show exposure rates varying from 48% in medical students to 54% among ward staff (including doctors, nurses and support staff), to as high as 91% among junior doctors. Of some concern is the fact that over 60% of these incidents are not reported, with a higher rate of not reporting exposure among those with a greater number of exposures. Risks involved in exposures are summarised in Table 1.enSouth African Orthopaedic Association / Char PublicationsPost exposure prophylaxisHealthcare workers (HCWs)Occupational exposureProphylaxisMedical personnel -- Health risk assessmentBloodborne infections -- PreventionArticle