Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in blood and other bodily fluids that can infect health care workers who are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases like HIV, HBV and HCV. Knowing how bloodborne pathogens are transmitted is key to preventing the spread and keeping health care workers, first responders and others safe when exposure is possible. In this post we will go over the modes of transmission for bloodborne pathogens and how MyCPR NOW can help you get educated on infection control.
Modes of Transmission for Bloodborne Pathogens
1. Direct Contact
The most common mode of transmission for bloodborne pathogens is direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. This can occur through:
Needlestick Injuries
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Accidental Puncture Wounds: Health care workers and others may accidentally puncture themselves with contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp instruments. This is a big risk in medical settings due to the high frequency of needle use.
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Examples: Giving injections, drawing blood or handling sharps during medical procedures.
Open Wounds or Cuts
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Contact with Contaminated Blood: Open wounds, cuts, abrasions, or any form of broken skin can come into direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This can happen during first aid situations or when dealing with injuries.
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Examples: Assisting an injured person, cleaning wounds, or handling blood-soiled materials.
Mucous Membranes
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Exposure through Eyes, Nose or Mouth: Bloodborne pathogens can enter the body through the mucous membranes if infected blood or bodily fluids come into contact with these areas.
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Examples: Blood or bodily fluids splashing into the eyes, accidental ingestion of contaminated fluids or touching the face with contaminated gloves.
2. Indirect Contact
Bloodborne pathogens can also be transmitted indirectly through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. This can happen by the following:
Contaminated Surfaces
Touching Infected Surfaces: Contacting surfaces, equipment, or objects visibly contaminated with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials and then touching mucous membranes or open wounds.
Examples: Medical equipment, countertops, or door handles contaminated with blood.
Contaminated Instruments
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Improper Sterilization: Using medical instruments that have not been properly sterilized or are contaminated can lead to indirect transmission.
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Examples: Surgical tools, dental equipment or reusable needles.
3. Occupational Exposure
Health care workers, first responders and other high risk professionals are at higher risk of exposure to infectious blood and bodily fluids. This can happen due to:
Accidental Injuries
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Needlestick Injuries: Common in medical settings, needlestick injuries can happen during procedures involving needles. Contact with broken glass can also transmit bloodborne pathogens.
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Cuts and Splashes: Cuts from sharp objects and splashes of blood or bodily fluids during medical procedures or patient care.
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Examples: Surgery, dental work, emergency medical care.
Improper Handling or Disposal
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Inadequate Precautions: Not following proper protocols for handling or disposing of sharps, contaminated materials or biohazardous waste can increase exposure risk.
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Examples: Incorrect disposal of needles, not using needle disposal containers, mishandling biohazard bags.
4. Mother-to-Child Transmission
Some bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth or through breastfeeding. This mode of transmission includes:
Vertical Transmission
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During Pregnancy and Delivery: Infections passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, labor or delivery.
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Examples: HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be transmitted during the birthing process.
Breast Milk Transmission
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Through Breastfeeding: Infections transmitted through breastfeeding when the mother's blood contains the pathogens.
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Examples: HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.
Common Bloodborne Pathogens and Their Transmission
1. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
HBV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected human blood, human blood components, or bodily fluids including:
Percutaneous Exposure
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Needlestick Injuries: Healthcare workers are at risk when exposed to needlestick injuries from infected needles.
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Sharing Contaminated Needles: Common among intravenous drug users.
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Blood Transfusions: Receiving blood transfusions from infected individuals.
Sexual Contact
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Unprotected Intercourse: Sexual contact with an infected person can transmit HBV.
Mother-to-Child Transmission
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During Childbirth: An infected mother can pass HBV to her baby during the birthing process.
2. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
HCV is primarily transmitted through:
Percutaneous Exposure
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Needlestick Injuries: Similar to HBV, healthcare workers are at risk from needlestick injuries.
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Sharing Contaminated Needles: High risk behavior among drug users.
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Blood Transfusions: Though less common today due to improved screening, it's still a risk.
Other Modes
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Sexual Contact and Mother-to-Child: Though less common, these can also transmit HCV.
3. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV can be transmitted through:
Percutaneous Exposure
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Needlestick Injuries: Healthcare workers are at risk when handling needles and sharp instruments, percutaneous exposure to infected body fluids can transmit bloodborne pathogens like HIV and HBV.
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Sharing Contaminated Needles: High risk among intravenous drug users.
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Blood Transfusions: Though rare today, it's still a risk.
Sexual Contact
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Unprotected Intercourse: HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person.
Mother-to-Child Transmission
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During Childbirth and Breastfeeding: HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth or through breastfeeding.
Preventing Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission
Preventing bloodborne pathogen transmission is key to the safety of individuals at risk of exposure. Follow these basic infection control measures:
1. Standard Precautions
Follow standard precautions which include:
Hand Hygiene
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Regular Washing: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Alcohol-Based Sanitizers: Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water is not available.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Gloves: Wear gloves when handling blood, bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
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Masks and Goggles: Wear masks and goggles to protect mucous membranes from splashes.
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Gowns: Wear gowns to protect clothing and skin from contamination.
Safe Injection Practices
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Proper Disposal: Dispose of needles and syringes in puncture-resistant needle disposal containers immediately after use.
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No Recapping: Avoid recapping needles to prevent needlestick injuries.
Safe Handling and Disposal
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Needle Disposal Containers: Use designated containers for needles.
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Biohazard Bags: Dispose of contaminated materials in biohazard bags.
2. Vaccination
Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations especially Hepatitis B. Vaccination provides protection against HBV infection and is recommended for healthcare workers and others at risk of exposure.
3. Safe Practices in Healthcare Settings
Follow guidelines for infection control in healthcare settings:
Proper Sterilization
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Sterilize Instruments: All medical instruments must be sterilized before use.
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Single-Use Items: Use single-use items when possible to prevent cross-contamination.
Environmental Cleaning
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Regular Cleaning: Clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment regularly to reduce contamination.
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Approved Disinfectants: Use disinfectants approved for bloodborne pathogens.
Handling and Disposal of Biohazardous Materials
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Biohazard Protocols: Follow protocols for safe handling and disposal of biohazardous materials.
4. Training and Education
Get trained and educated on infection control practices, bloodborne pathogens and prevention strategies. MyCPR NOW has all the resources and courses you need to boost your infection control and bloodborne pathogens knowledge.
Courses
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CPR and First Aid: Courses that cover bloodborne pathogen transmission and prevention.
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Infection Control: Specialized courses on infection control practices.
Ongoing Education
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Regular Updates: Stay informed of latest guidelines and best practices.
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Hands-On Training: Participate in hands-on training to reinforce skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Knowing the modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens is key to preventing its spread and the safety of individuals at risk of exposure. Follow standard precautions, practice safe habits and get the knowledge and skills through MyCPR NOW and you can minimize the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission. Remember, infection control and education is key to a safe environment and bloodborne pathogen free.
