Cost analysis of a needle stick protocol.

A protocol for prophylaxis against hepatitis B in an employee health program was analyzed for cost-effectiveness. Over a three-year period, 302 needle-stick incidents involving 282 employees and 234 patients were reported. No new HBsAg-positive patients or employees were identified, and 6% of employees were found to be anti-HBs positive. Given the low prevalence rate of hepatitis B infection in our population, cost analysis supported curtailment of serologic screening for routine needle-stick exposures.