The so-called G 42 screening examination is one of the occupational health screening examinations and is performed in accordance with the Biological Substances Ordinance (BioStoffV) for activities involving biological agents, including genetic engineering work with human pathological organisms. These biological agents include, for example, microorganisms, cell cultures, endoparasites and their genetically modified forms. The purpose of the investigation is to prevent adverse health effects that may be caused by infectious germs. Which substances or occupational fields are affected by this regulation is listed in lists that can be obtained, for example, from the public health department. Here, the pathogens are also divided into risk groups. Examples of occupational groups affected are doctors, nurses and laboratory staff, but also foresters, animal keepers and workers in the food industry. The Biological Agents Ordinance differentiates between targeted and non-targeted activities. In a hospital, for example, nurses are exposed to a number of different pathogens. In a laboratory, they work with selected bacteria or viruses; they are the subject of the activity, so that this is referred to as a targeted activity. A G 42 screening examination must be performed by a physician with the regional designation “occupational medicine” or with the additional designation “occupational medicine”.
Indications (areas of application)
The G 42 screening examination is performed for occupational activities with an increased risk of infection and is used for the prevention or early detection of health impairments associated with certain occupations. It can be mandatory or carried out as an “offer examination” on the part of the employer.
Before the examination
A detailed medical history and immunization status are obtained before the examination.
Procedure
The examination consists of a general and a special part.The general part includes taking a history, vaccination status, a general physical examination, and laboratory urine and blood tests.The special part is oriented toward possible pathogens with which the patient comes into contact. Physicians, for example, are examined and advised with regard to pathogens such as hepatitis A, B and C as well as HIV. The so-called initial examination must take place before starting the activity in question, and a first follow-up examination takes place after 12 months. All further follow-up examinations take place every 3 years, with the exception of situations in which the employee falls ill or comes into contact with infectious materials as part of an accidental event (in hospital, for example, a puncture wound with a contaminated cannula). In these cases, an investigation is performed immediately:
- After infection or severe or prolonged illness that may raise concerns about continued employment.
- After injury with the possibility of penetration of infectious agents.
- At the request of the employee who suspects a causal relationship between his illness and his activities at work.
- In the event of accidental occurrence.
- After an activity in biotechnical and/ or genetic engineering laboratories.
The last examination takes place at the end of the activity. If immunization against a pathogen to which the employee is exposed is possible, the implementation of a follow-up examination is based on the period of vaccination protection. In the case of lifelong immunity, such an examination may not be necessary. Furthermore, the patient is advised with regard to a preventive reduction of infection risks; above all, information about transmission routes is of particular importance. This includes vaccination offers (e.g., hepatitis A and B) and the use of protective materials such as gloves, disinfectants, and eye and mouth protection.
After the examination
After the examination, further measures, such as vaccination boosters or therapeutic interventions related to disease, should be initiated according to the results of the examination.
