NCJ Number
109510
Journal
Forensic Science International Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 68-71
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that has generated extensive fear, although it can be readily contained, and that requires specific precautions among autopsy room and funeral home personnel for whom exposure to blood and other body fluids cannot be avoided.
Abstract
AIDS was first recognized as a public health problem in 1981. It is a primarily blood-borne, sexually transmitted disease with a variable and long incubation period. The Centers for Disease Control recommendations indicate the need for autopsy room and funeral home personnel to use proper protective clothing, appropriate handling and disposal of sharp instruments, the use of gloves in handling specimens for laboratory examination, and careful cleanup procedures and use of disinfectants. However, the main method of controlling the spread of the AIDS virus is prevention of unnecessary contamination of the work area and prevention of injuries. Strict attention to details is needed to provide this prevention.