Investigation of HBsAg, Anti-HIV, and Anti-HCV Seropositivity in Patients Visiting the Orthopedic Clinic

This study aimed to determine the seropositivity of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV among patients admitted to the orthopedics clinic of a medical school hospital, to analyze the relationship between seropositivity and demographic variables such as age and gender, and to evaluate preoperative infection screening strategies based on the findings. This retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study included patients admitted to the orthopedics clinic between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2025, who had at least one of the HBsAg, Anti-HCV, or Anti-HIV tests performed. Test results were obtained from the Laboratory Information Management System (LIS), and demographic data were obtained from the Hospital Information System (HIS). Chi-square and Student,s t-test were used for statistical analysis. HBsAg was tested in 6607 patients, anti-HCV in 5588, and anti-HIV in 4658. The seropositivity rates were 2.75% for HBsAg, 0.27% for Anti-HCV, and 0.09% for Anti-HIV. HBsAg positivity was significantly higher in males (p < 0.05). The mean age of HBsAg and anti-HCV-positive patients was significantly higher than that of negative patients (p < 0.001). Anti-HIV positivity rate was low, and all confirmatory tests were negative. Regional sero-epidemiological data are crucial for assessing infection risks in surgical clinics and for developing strategies to protect healthcare workers. Risk-based infection screening is supported in low-prevalence regions, and ongoing preoperative screening is advised in high-prevalence areas.