Hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) prevalence among laboratory and nonlaboratory hospital personnel.

HBsAg and anti-HBs positivity was determined in hospital laboratory workers and nonlaboratory hospital workers (controls) matched for race and sex and adjusted for age. The combined prevalence of antigen-antibody positivity among white female technicians was 12% versus 0 of controls (P less than 0.005). The highest prevalence (18%) among laboratory workers was found in chemistry technicians, and significantly elevated frequencies also were noted in histocytologic, hematologic, and general laboratory technicians and blood collectors; this was not explained by a history of previous blood transfusions or hepatitis. Prevalence among pathologists (16%) was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than among radiologists not routinely performing angiography (2%). Prevalence among black female housekeepers, both laboratory (25%) and nonlaboratory (36 %), was the highest, and was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than among black female technicians (10%). Positivity was not correlated with current residence census tract socioeconomic indicators in black or white females. The data emphasize the need for continued identification of risks and improved protection measures in hospital workers.