Introduction to Bloodborne PathogenÂ
A bloodborne pathogen is an infectious microorganism present in blood that can cause diseases. This includes hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as other diseases. HCPs exposed to bloodborne pathogens are at risk for life-threatening illnesses.
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Bloodborne pathogens are most commonly associated with blood, but they can be found in other body fluids:
- Fluids that are contaminated or contain blood
- Blood products (plasma, serum, etc.)
- Saliva and oral secretions
- Peritoneal fluid (body cavity)
- Amniotic fluid (uterine)
- Synovial fluid (joint)
- Pleural fluid (lung)
- Vaginal secretions
- Semen
- Any unidentified body fluid should be considered potentially infectious
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Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM)
In addition to the list above, blood may be present in other body parts, such as unfixed tissue and organs. These materials are considered a possible source of infection and referred to as Other Potentially Infectious Materials or OPIMs. Urine, feces, vomit, tears, sweat, and sputum are not considered sources of BBP unless they are visibly contaminated with blood. At the same time, standard precautions should be taken when handling these materials.
HCPs should follow universal precautions when they are handling body fluids and OPIMs. Universal precautions should also be followed if there is a possibility of contact with a body fluid or OPIM.
Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission
Bloodborne Pathogens can be transmitted if infected blood or OPIM enters your body through these modes of transmission:
- Parenteral exposure from sharp objects like needles cuts from broken glass,
- Illegal drug use
- Abrasions and human bites.
- A mucous membrane in the mouth, eye, and nose.
- Sexual contact
- Accidental punctures from contaminated needles and other sharps
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CDC estimates that workers in the health care industry and anyone whose job involves contact with blood are at the highest risk of occupational exposure. For infection to occur, the following conditions must be met:
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- A pathogen must be present.
- A sufficient quantity of pathogens must be present to cause an infection.
- A person must be susceptible to the pathogen in question.
- The pathogen must access the body via an entry site, such as abrasions, punctures, and the respiratory system.
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Bloodborne pathogens cannot be spread by casual contacts, such as shaking hands or hugging. However, droplet transmission may occur when another person inhales an infected person's cough or sneezes and pathogens.
OSHA Standard
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is a regulation that prescribes safeguards to protect workers against health hazards related to bloodborne pathogens. The standard imposes requirements on employers of workers who may be exposed to blood or OPIM. These are:
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- Establishing an exposure control plan
- Requiring the use of universal precautions
- Identifying and using engineering and work practice controls
- Providing appropriate PPE
- Making Hepatitis B Vaccination available
- Using signs and labels to communicate hazards
- Providing information and Bloodborne Pathogens training to employees
- Maintaining medical and training record
- Providing medical evaluations for exposure incidents
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