Bloodborne Pathogens Certification Manual: Introduction
WHAT ARE BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (BBP)
A bloodborne pathogen (BBP) is a microorganism that is present in human blood and infectious to humans. Examples of bloodborne pathogens include the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). oodborne infections, such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pose significant risks in healthcare settings. Understanding and preventing occupational exposure to these pathogens is crucial for healthcare workers, especially those involved in invasive procedures or frequent contact with blood and bodily fluids.
HOW TO BE SAFE WITH PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Universal precautions including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Body Substance Isolation (BSI) should be used at all times when in contact with a BBP. An exposure control plan is crucial in implementing these universal precautions effectively. Utilizing PPE and BSI will help keep both you and your team safe and minimize occupational exposure.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Bloodborne pathogens can cause disease and are easily transmittable. Some examples of diseases that can be passed through bloodborne pathogen transmission are the HIV and Hepatitis (various forms) viruses. The risk of bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is significant, especially in healthcare settings. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to chronic infection, posing long-term health risks. The transmission and impact of hepatitis B and hepatitis C are particularly concerning due to their high infectivity and the absence of a vaccine for HCV. Additionally, the occupational risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for healthcare workers underscores the importance of proper safety measures. Fortunately, staying safe and keeping your team safe is usually easily manageable with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedural knowledge.