Mrs Suzanne Xiaojie Wang1
1Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
Biography:
CNS at Barwon Health
Abstract:
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus, but can be found in blood and other bodily fluids. It is one of the world’s most common infectious diseases, and is the leading cause of liver cancer. Due to frequent blood exposure during invasive haemodialysis procedures, the incidence of hepatitis B infection is higher in the renal dialysis population. This elevated risk underscores the importance of Hepatitis B infection prevention in dialysis patients. While standard precautions are the primary strategy for minimizing hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission, vaccination provides a highly effective infection control measure for preventing HBV transmission. This poster will cover the epidemiology of HBV and risk factors associated with haemodialysis. With the use of RenalNet, a computerised data system, dialysis units at Barwon Health are able to access a clear digital record of patients’ past hepatitis serology results and Hep B vaccination history. Using the system, renal staff can update records, make notes, and log reminders so that patients can receive hep B vaccinations and timely reviews. This poster will present the structured viral hepatis screening and Hep B vaccination program Barwon Health has been using for HBV prevention. Additionally, data of incidences of renal patients at Barwon Health is compared with that of other populations.