Which hepatitis is most associated with exposure during cleanup of dried blood?

• A. Hep A
• B. Hep B
• C. Hep C
• D. HIV

Answer: (B)

Exposure during cleanup of dried blood is most concerning for a virus that can stay infectious on surfaces after drying. Hepatitis B fits this scenario best because it remains viable in dried blood for days to weeks and is highly contagious through contact with contaminated materials. That makes routine cleanup, glove use, and proper disinfection critical to prevent transmission. In comparison, Hepatitis A is primarily spread via the fecal-oral route and not typically through blood; Hepatitis C is bloodborne but generally less stable in dried blood and less likely to be transmitted by surface contact; HIV is also bloodborne but is less stable in the environment than HBV. So, Hepatitis B is the most associated with exposure during cleanup of dried blood.