Clinical Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens

Pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can lead to diseases.

Hepatitis B

Causes serious liver damage and can last at least one week in dried blood.

Hepatitis C

The most common chronic bloodborne infection in the U.S.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The virus that leads to AIDS. Attacks the body’s immune system and does not survive well outside the body.

Other Potentially Infectious Materials

What is OPIM?

Direct contact, indirect contact, respiratory transmission, vector-borne transmission

The spread of bloodborne pathogens occurs through:

Vectors

Animals or insects that can transmit diseases to humans.

Exposure Control Plan

What is ECP?

Exposure determination, schedule and method of implementation, procedure for evaluation of exposure incidents

The required elements of ECP include:

Annually

When are exposure control plans reviewed and updated?

Disposal

One third of all sharps injuries occur during:

Hand washing

What is the single most important procedure for preventing infections?

Regulated waste

Liquid blood, semi-liquid blood, and items containing blood.

Exposure incident

Specific occupational contact of blood or OPIM with the eyes, mouth, other mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or through a puncture or cut.

Wash exposed area with soap and water, irrigate eyes with water and saline, inform manager

When exposure occurs, what are the immediate actions that must be taken?

Standard Precautions

Includes hand hygiene, PPE, sharps safety, safe handling of potentially infectious materials, and other protective practices.

Engineering control

Equipment or technology that isolates or removes a hazard from the workplace.

Occupational exposure

Reasonably anticipated contact with blood or OPIM resulting from job duties.

Sharps

Objects capable of penetrating the skin.

Work practice control

A method of performing work that reduces the likelihood of exposure.