Bloodborne Pathogens Certification: Prevention and Protection
Introduction
Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can be transmitted by blood. They can cause serious illness in those who come into contact with them. Bloodborne pathogens may be found in the blood of an infected person or located outside of their body. The most common bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) which are transmitted by direct contact with infected blood; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is transmitted during sexual activity or needle sharing; and the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, which can be transmitted through airborne droplets.
There are various ways to prevent exposure to these diseases:
- Considered PPE (Personal protective equipment) when treating patients who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
- Prevent any needle sticks from occurring during certain procedures such as drawing blood from an arm vein using a syringe filled with heparin solution instead of using a syringe filled with saline solution because this helps prevent transmission of HIV through contaminated needles used on patients who have been diagnosed with this disease.
Bloodborne pathogens are diseases carried in a patient's blood or other body fluids.
Bloodborne pathogens are diseases carried in a patient's blood or other body fluids. Examples of these diseases include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Infectious agents can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids that have been contaminated by an infected person. These infections may be transmitted through accidental needle sticks; splashes or sprays to the eyes, mouth, nose, and skin; contact with mucous membranes (e.g., when using contaminated equipment); or during sexual activity, if one partner is infected with an infectious disease such as HIV/AIDS.
The most common bloodborne pathogens are hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
The most common bloodborne pathogens are hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which are transmitted by direct contact with infected blood. These viruses can cause acute or chronic infections, depending on their severity.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that affects the liver. It's caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is spread when blood or other body fluids from an infected person enter another person's body through:
- Unprotected sex - vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom; birth control used for contraception may not protect against HIV/AIDS or STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Sharing needles for drug use - sharing needles used to inject drugs into your veins; tattooing/piercing equipment that has been used on more than one person.
Other bloodborne pathogens.
Other bloodborne pathogens include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is transmitted during sexual activity or needle sharing; and the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, which can be transmitted through airborne droplets. The risk of contracting HIV is low, but the risk of contracting TB is higher.
It's important to protect yourself.
Bloodborne pathogens are a serious concern in the medical field. They can be transmitted through contact with blood, body fluids, and tissue. It's important to protect yourself against exposure to these diseases by taking precautions such as wearing gloves, masks, and gowns when treating patients who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
- Wear gloves: Gloves help prevent your hands from coming into contact with dangerous substances during surgery or other procedures. When handling sharp objects or instruments that may tear open your skin, make sure you wear protective latex or vinyl surgeon's gloves with an elastic cuff at least one inch above your wrist bone so they don't slip off when working on patients' wounds.
- Wear masks: Masks are used throughout all stages of treatment because they filter out airborne particles while allowing oxygen into the lungs.
- Use a glove bag: A glove bag helps keep both hands free while keeping them clean by containing contaminated materials inside its sealed interior compartment.
- Use needleless injection devices: Needleless injection devices allow healthcare professionals to deliver medications directly into the bloodstream without touching any part of their patient's skin.
- Sharps containers for safe disposal: These containers hold all sharp materials like needles after use so that no one comes into contact with them again until disposed of through proper channels.
Properly protecting yourself against exposure to bloodborne pathogens is essential.
- Always wear gloves, masks, and gowns when treating patients who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
- Gloves should be worn when touching blood or bodily fluids. Use disposable gloves when appropriate; if you do not have disposables available, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing soiled gloves.
- Masks should be used when there is potential for airborne droplets (e.g., splashing) during procedures or activities that could spread germs in the air around you. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after treating a patient.
Conclusion
Bloodborne pathogens are a serious concern for healthcare workers, but they're also easy to avoid. By following proper infection control protocols and taking precautions like wearing gloves and masks when treating patients who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens, you can protect yourself from exposure and keep yourself from getting sick.
