CPR + First Aid + BBP Certification Manual: Transmission

Bloodborne Pathogens: Transmission
Transmission

Transmission happens when an individual comes into contact with blood, saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, sputum, vomit, breast milk or any bodily fluid by way of an open wound or by means of absorption (such as swallowing) from another individual. The transmitting individual is referred to as the source individual.

Some examples of bloodborne pathogen contamination would be if you were stuck by a used needle, treated an open wound without gloves or had another person's blood splattered on your face and/or mouth. Exposure to a possible BBP is a dangerous and serious matter that requires immediate actions to be taken.

Examples of Diseases Spread by BBPs:  HIV (causes AIDS), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Malaria, Syphilis, Brucellosis

Special Note:  Contaminated needles and objects that represent a penetration hazard (like in the picture above) are referred to as contaminated sharps. Contaminated sharps should be disposed of in special disposal containers.