EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL RISKS USING THE BIOGAVAL METHOD IN A DIALYSIS CENTER IN ECUADOR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Keywords:
Biogaval neo; biological risk; dialysis center; biosafetyAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v10i18.0914
Abstract
Objective: to assess occupational biological risk using the BIOGAVAL-NEO 2018 method in a dialysis center in Ecuador. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional observational study was conducted in January 2026 with 25 workers. Three ad hoc questionnaires based on BIOGAVAL-NEO 2018 domains were applied, and risk was estimated with the formula R = G + T + P + F - V - MH. Reference agents were hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Results: 72% of workers reported frequent or permanent exposure, 52% reported occupational accidents with biological risk, and 64% reported contact with blood and sharps. Occupational vaccination coverage reached 92%. Semiquantitative estimation showed R = 5 for HBV, R = 7 for HCV and R = 8 for HIV. Conclusion: the dialysis center shows a relevant biological risk scenario, with preventive priority in the hemodialysis room and among clinical staff directly exposed to blood, body fluids and sharps.
Keywords: Biogaval neo; biological risk; dialysis center; biosafety.
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