Introduction
Bloodborne pathogens are a group of diseases that can be transmitted to humans through exposure to human blood or other body fluids. The diseases spread through the exchange of these bodily fluids, which can happen when one person's blood comes into contact with another's blood, or if someone is exposed to infected tissue or bodily fluids. While you may not work in a field where this is likely (or possible), it's still good knowledge for anyone working in healthcare, lab sciences, and more—and it could even help your friends decide on careers!
What Is It?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious diseases that are transmitted via blood and other bodily fluids. The most common forms of these diseases include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and AIDS. Bloodborne pathogens can be spread through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
People are required to be certified in certain environments where there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens; however, not everywhere requires certification. There is a standard training program and certification exam for those who need it.
Who Needs to Get It?
You need to get certified if you work in a health care, public safety, or animal care setting. This includes anyone who works with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). If you have an exposure incident at work, it's important that everyone involved has the appropriate training to respond. To protect yourself and others from contracting a bloodborne pathogen infection from an accident on the job site, employers must provide workers with training on how to prevent and respond appropriately when working with these substances.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies to all industries including healthcare providers; laboratories; dentists' offices; tattoo parlors; outpatient clinics; residential care facilities such as group homes for adults or children with developmental disabilities; schools/colleges/universities where students may come into contact with bloodborne pathogens through clinical practice activities such as anatomy labs where dissection takes place; veterinary offices where animals are euthanized & disposed of properly.
What Sort of Training Do You Need?
The training required to get bloodborne pathogens certification varies based on your job. You may be required to take a course online or at a local community college or university. Training is also available through private companies and professional organizations, but you will likely have to pay for these courses.
In order for an employer to know that you are certified in this area, they will ask for proof of completion of the training program as part of filling out an employee application form or providing documentation before they hire you as an employee. The documentation could include:
- A certificate stating that you have completed the coursework;
- A transcript showing that you have passed any exams associated with obtaining certification; and/or
- Written verification stating that your company has been approved by them (this does not mean everyone working there must be certified).
What Are the Requirements for Certification?
You must be a healthcare worker.
You must work in a healthcare setting.
You must be trained in bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions.
You must have a valid certificate of training, which can be obtained through an accredited course or organization that provides these types of classes (see below).
Bloodborne diseases are caused by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that can live inside the body's cells or tissue, typically transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions; however, this does not mean that all bodily fluids are infectious--only certain ones will cause disease transmission if they come into contact with another person's skin or mucous membranes (the moist lining found inside parts of your body like the mouth or vagina). Some examples include hepatitis B virus (HBV), HIV/AIDS infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1/lymphotropic virus type 1 complex (HTLV-1) infections including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), and West Nile Virus Disease (WNV).
The Bottom Line on Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
Getting certified is a good idea, but it's important to know what's required. There are many ways to obtain certification, including through your employer or an external agency. Certifications can be achieved through attending classes, taking exams, or undergoing training with a trainer and/or mentor.
It's important that you stay up to date on bloodborne pathogens certification because it ensures that you have all the latest information about protecting yourself from any possible exposure at work or school--and especially when traveling abroad! Make sure you're fully certified before leaving for any trip where there may be a risk of infection (such as volunteering abroad).
Conclusion
Bloodborne Pathogens certification is a critical tool for anyone who works in healthcare. It's important to remember that there are many different types of jobs that fall under this category, so not everyone will need the same level of training or certification. However, if you work with blood or other potentially infectious materials on a regular basis then it's likely that getting certified will benefit both your safety and productivity at work!