What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms. Bloodborne pathogens are viruses or bacteria present in human blood and body fluids which can infect and cause disease in humans. The two most notable of these are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, and the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Show
How Do Bloodborne Pathogens Spread in the Workplace?The most common ways bloodborne pathogens spread are through sexual transmission or IV drug use. However, any contact with infected blood or body fluids carries the risk of potential infection. With the correct information, irrational fears about workplace exposure to HIV and HBV can be prevented. On the other hand, treating HIV to lightly may lead you to ignore appropriate protective measures. How to Protect YourselfIt is important to understand what the hazards of bloodborne pathogens are, and what preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from exposure. The three main areas of protection include Attitude, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping. AttitudeYour attitude is a vital part of protecting yourself. The right attitude means taking Universal Precautions. This means that you treat all human blood and body fluids as infectious. Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment includes clothing and equipment worn by an individual during activities which may result in exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Personal protective equipment always starts with gloves but may also include gowns, face shields, eye protection and pocket masks.
HousekeepingHousekeeping refers to methods for cleaning and decontaminating infected surfaces and the disposal of blood and body fluids. All decontamination must include the use of an appropriate disinfecting solution, such as one part bleach to ten parts water. Work Practices to Prevent InfectionIf your assignments require you to perform CPR, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, administer first aid, or clean up after an accident, protective measures need to be taken to prevent an exposure to infectious materials. Protect yourself by following these steps:
Campus Police- 35 Dean Street Protect Yourself First. Treat Victim Second.What To Do If You Are ExposedDespite your best efforts, there is a possibility you may be exposed to blood or body fluids during an emergency response. An exposure incident is defined as a specific eye, mouth, nose or skin contact with potentially infectious materials. All reports will be treated by WPI in the strictest confidence. If you have an exposure, follow these steps:
VaccinesHBVThere is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent the HBV infection. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard required that organizations with individuals at risk must offer the HBV vaccine free of charge. Those individuals who choose not to accept the vaccine will be asked to sign a statement indicating their decision. However, if in the future the person decides to get the vaccine, and is still at risk, the person may get the vaccine free of charge.The vaccine is a series of three injections, which will be administered at the WPI Health Services Infirmary, located in Stoddard C. HIVThere is not yet available a vaccine for HIV.What are the main routes of exposure for bloodborne pathogens?Needlesticks or cuts from used needles or sharps. Contact of your eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin with blood. Assaults – bites, cuts, or knife wounds. Splashes or punctures – especially when drawing blood.
What is the most common exposure of bloodborne pathogens to the healthcare worker?Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
What is the most common bloodborne pathogen route in the healthcare setting?In the health care setting, blood-borne pathogen transmission occurs predominantly by percutaneous or mucosal exposure of workers to the blood or body fluids of infected patients.
What is the most common risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens for healthcare workers select the best option?The greatest risk of infection transmission is through percutaneous exposure to infected blood. Nevertheless, transmission of HBV, HCV, or HIV after mucous membrane or non-intact skin exposure to blood has also been reported.
|