Characteristics of occupational exposure associated with traditional Chinese medicine-related clinical procedures and comparison with non-TCM clinical practice: a single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of occupational exposure events reported in a tertiary hospital between 2022 and 2025, with a particular focus on occupational exposures associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related clinical procedures, and to compare the characteristics of TCM-related and non-TCM occupational exposure events, thereby providing descriptive evidence to support the prevention and management of occupational exposure in TCM-related clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using occupational exposure records reported in a tertiary hospital between January 2022 and December 2025. A total of 188 occupational exposure events were included. According to whether the exposure occurred during TCM-related clinical procedures, the events were classified into a TCM-related occupational exposure group and a non-TCM occupational exposure group. Descriptive analyses were performed to summarize demographic characteristics, exposure characteristics, and post-exposure management. Exploratory comparisons between the two groups were conducted using appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 188 occupational exposure events were included, of which 48 (25.53%) were related to TCM clinical procedures. The overall number of occupational exposure events peaked in 2023 (55 cases), and the highest monthly number was observed in August (23 cases). Most exposed healthcare workers were female (74.47%) and had less than 5 years of work experience (76.06%). Sharps injuries accounted for the majority of occupational exposure events (87.77%). Among the reported TCM-related occupational exposure events, most occurred during acupuncture-related procedures and involved acupuncture needle injuries. Compared with non-TCM occupational exposure events, no statistically significant differences were observed in age, sex, year of occurrence, or indicators related to post-exposure management (all p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed in occupational role, exposure stage, exposure type, type of sharp instrument, injured body site, and glove use (all p < 0.05). Regarding post-exposure management, all cases received immediate wound irrigation and disinfection, and 99.47% were reported within 24 h. However, only 29.26% completed the recommended 6-month follow-up and testing protocol. No confirmed HBV, HCV, or HIV infections were identified among healthcare workers who completed the recommended follow-up and testing protocol. CONCLUSION: Sharps injuries accounted for the majority of reported occupational exposure events. TCM-related occupational exposure events exhibited distinct characteristics, particularly those involving acupuncture-related procedures and acupuncture needle injuries. Although compliance with immediate post-exposure management and reporting was high, completion of long-term follow-up and testing remained insufficient. These findings provide descriptive evidence that may help inform the optimization of occupational exposure prevention and post-exposure management for TCM-related clinical procedures.