Bloodborne Pathogens

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Any infectious microorganism in the human blood that can cause disease is a bloodborne pathogen. The most common bloodborne pathogens are hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bloodborne pathogens include more than just the three most common types, though there are some exotic and rare forms that most people are unlikely to encounter. HBV, HCV, and HIV are the most common bloodborne pathogens and if you come into contact with potentially infectious materials, you are at risk of contracting these diseases. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized that health care workers, caregivers, and others who may come in contact with human blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) have an occupational hazard that should be considered. In reaction to this, they have created a bloodborne pathogen standard that includes protocol and protections for these professionals.

OPIMs include more than just blood or fluids with visible blood.
​OPIMs include bodily fluids such as:

• Blood products (plasma, serum)
• Semen
• Vaginal secretions
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Pleural fluid (or lung fluid)
• Saliva (in dental settings)

​Standard precautions are steps taken to lessen the risk of exposure and transmission of bloodborne pathogens. They include utilizing protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, protective eyewear, or other barriers that can protect from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 

​Certain standards of safety have been developed specifically to protect professionals who are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These are referred to as Standard Precautions. These precautions apply to body fluids containing blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and blood itself. These standard precautions do not typically apply to feces, sweat, urine, vomit, saliva, and nasal mucus unless there is visible blood or there is reason to suspect blood in these materials.

Optional Resources for Further Study

• Standard and Universal Precautions in the Child Care Setting by the California Child Care Health Program
• Standard Precautions for All Patient Care by The Centers for Disease Control
• Coverage of child care workers under scope of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens OSHA
  

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Purposes for Protection
3. Bloodborne Pathogens
4. Transmission of Germs
5. Hepatitis B
6. Hepatitis C
7. Hepatitis (1/5)
8. HIV
9. HIV/AIDS Awareness (2/5)

10. Bloodborne Risks 
11. Bloodborne Pathogens (3/5)
12.  Standard Precautions
13. Proper Handwashing
14. Personal Protective Equipment
15. Gloves
16. Personal Protective Gear (PPE)
17. Cleaning
18. Sanitizing versus Disinfecting

19. Using Bleach-Water
20. Disinfecting, Sanitizing, Cleaning
21. Cleaning up Bodily Fluids
22. Safety Considerations
23. Universal & Standard Precautions (4/5)
24. Reactions to Exposure
25. Reviewing Bloodborne Pathogens
26. Final Quiz
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