HIV serophobia in the mortuary: an algorithm system for handling high-risk forensic cases.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

HIV serophobia in the mortuary: an algorithm system for handling high-risk forensic cases.

Med Sci Law. 1997 Oct;37(4):296-302. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98045238
Patel F; UMDS Guy's Hospital, University of London.

Abstract: A serophobia of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is very noticeable in mortuaries handling high-risk cases. The morbid anxiety about occupationally acquired HIV infection in the forensic practice has made mortuary workers unduly overcautious. Despite the availability of codes of practice and informed principles of health and safety, there is considerable anxiety that an HIV carrier with no identifiable risk factors may be overlooked or a seronegative body may be inadvertently assumed to be uninfected. In contrast, a false sense of safety can pose a health hazard and has public health implications. An algorithm system is outlined for selective handling of unsuspected or unrecognized high-risk cases. It is necessary that guidelines are reasonably simple and incorporate statutory health and safety regulations and local safe working practice in the mortuary. Although it is not a legal obligation, approval by the coroners should facilitate consistent implementation of a protocol. A common experience in public and NHS hospital mortuaries in the London coroners' jurisdictions is characterized.

Keywords: *Attitude of Health Personnel *Autopsy/METHODS *Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/PREVENTION & CONTROL *HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL *HIV-1 *Risk Management/METHODS
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