Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens: The Basics

Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria and viruses that may be present in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues. It is estimated that one in every five people has been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen at some point in their lives. Exposure to these agents can result from contact with infected individuals or accidentally coming into contact with blood or other body fluids containing these agents. Some activities that place you at an increased risk of exposure include being a healthcare worker, being a tattoo artist, donating blood or organs, and working in certain industries such as food handling and storage.

Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria and viruses that may be present in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues.

Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria and viruses that may be present in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues. They can be transmitted to others through contact with infected blood, other body fluids, or tissues. The most well-known bloodborne pathogens are Hepatitis B and C, and HIV virus.

It can be estimated that one in every five people has been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen at some point in their lives. Exposure may occur through occupational exposure or nonoccupational exposure such as needle sticks while performing medical procedures at home (elderly patients often need repeated blood tests).

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can result from contact with infected individuals

  • Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can result from contact with infected individuals or accidentally coming into contact with blood or other body fluids containing these agents.
  • Examples of activities that can put you at risk of exposure include:
  • performing venipuncture, phlebotomy, and injection procedures;
  • performing surgery;
  • giving injections (e.g., insulin); and/or drawing blood samples;
  • the use of needles, syringes, and other sharp instruments if they are not disposed of properly after each use; and/or if they are reused without being sterilized first (autoclave). In addition to these activities, there are many others where employees may be exposed to potentially infectious materials including but not limited to housekeeping duties such as cleaning up spills or splashes on floors or walls where there is visible blood present along with other bodily fluids such as urine/feces, etc..

Some activities that place you at an increased risk of exposure 

Some activities that place you at an increased risk of exposure include being a healthcare worker, being a tattoo artist, donating blood or organs, and working in certain industries such as food handling and storage. Other situations that can increase your risk of exposure include:

  • Handling children (such as teachers)
  • Working in a school environment (teachers)
  • Caring for elderly parents or other family members who have weakened immune systems due to age or disease;
  • Engaging in first responder activities such as firefighting, law enforcement, or military service;

The following are examples of groups at high risk for infection because they may come into contact with infected people:

If you encounter someone who is ill or injured and has potentially infectious body fluids on their skin or clothing due to the following activities (not an exhaustive list), take precautions.

If you encounter someone who is ill or injured and has potentially infectious body fluids on their skin or clothing due to the following activities (not an exhaustive list), take precautions.

  • Wear disposable gloves.
  • Wear eye protection.
  • Wear a face mask.

Avoid direct contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues by using barriers such as gloves, protective eyewear, and face shields when appropriate; avoid touching your eyes without washing hands first; wash hands immediately after contact with blood or body fluids; avoid sneezing and coughing into your hands; if you are performing CPR on someone who has been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen that can be transmitted through mucous membranes (such as HIV), wear a face mask that covers nose and mouth; never share toothbrushes or other personal items such as razors/toothbrushes/spoons, etc.; clean up spills promptly with an appropriate cleaning solution (e.g., bleach)

Conclusion

In order to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens, it is important to take precautions. We recommend that you practice universal precautions when working with any patient who may have been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen and follow standard precautions when cleaning up after an accident in order not to spread any infectious agents around your workplace or home environment.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS CERTIFICATION

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