Antibody titers to hepatitis B surface antigen among vaccinated emergency physicians: Three years' experience with a wellness booth

Study objective: To determine antibody titers to hepatitis B surface antige n (anti-HBsAg) among previously vaccinated emergency physicians and to asse ss the degree of compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) postvaccination guidelines. Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed of anti-HBsAg titer determina tions and vaccination surveys among a self-selected group of emergency phys icians attending the annual scientific assembly of the American College of Emergency Physicians in 1995, 1996, or 1997. Results: Of 943 participants, titer levels were found to be protective in 7 68 (81%), borderline in 45 (5%), and nonreactive in 130 (14%). A total of 3 37 participants (36%) had not obtained postvaccination titer determinations , as advised by the CDC. More than 50% reported an occupational exposure to blood products within the previous 2 years. Conclusion: Despite their high risk for exposure to blood products, many pr eviously vaccinated emergency physicians were not in compliance with CDC po stvaccination guidelines.