Bloodborne Pathogen What are Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogen

What are Bloodborne Pathogens? Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms such as: Viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood, internal body fluids and unfixed tissue that can cause disease in humans. The most dangerous • HIV • Hepatitis B • Hepatitis C

What is a Virus? • Very primitive, very small germ, invisible to the eye. • Can enter body through a cut in the skin, through the eye or mouth • Can also be transmitted sexually

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV & AIDS HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s ability to protect itself against disease. HIV causes AIDS, a disease that has no cure. HIV is spread through sexual contact, but may also be passed from one person to another through the blood (IV drug use, mother to infant)

Hepatitis B Virus Causes inflammation of the liver which can result in cirrhosis, cancer, or death Can be spread through body fluids, blood, or sexual activity There is no treatment for acute Hepatitis B infection, but there is a vaccine that can prevent it! Currently 1. 25 million in the U. S. are affected

Hepatitis C Virus Most common chronic bloodborne infection Many who are infected have no symptoms and may not even be aware they are infected No vaccine to prevent Symptoms include: Fatigue and weakness Abdominal pain Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin or white part of the eyes) There is no immunization and no cure. Currently 4 million in the U. S. are affected.

How are Bloodborne Pathogens Spread on the Job? Indirect Transfer Mouth Eyes Nose Open Skin Surfaces Accidents: Broken glass Sharp metal Needles Knives Exposed wires

How Can One Prevent Infection? • Understand the dangers out there & know how to protect yourself from those dangers! • Dispose of all materials with blood/body fluids into appropriate containers/sharps • Wear Personal Protective Equipment!! Gloves and eye/face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields) • Use safety devices • Handwashing is still the most effective means to • prevent transmission

Universal Precautions This is a plan that treats all blood and other body fluids as a possible source of contamination and infection. You must assume everyone has a communicable disease -that you don’t want!

Personal Protective Equipment You should always use appropriate equipment to protect yourself. –Gloves– Masks–Goggles– Mouthpieces (CPR)

Gloves Wear when you may contact any body fluid Cover any hand cuts with bandages before putting on gloves Do not reuse gloves (only utility gloves can be re-used) Remove properly

Hand-washing is Important! Avoid Contamination Wash with soap/water as soon as gloves are removed Immediately wash hands when there is direct contact with blood Only use hand-sanitizers as a temporary measure(60% alcohol content)

Personal Hygiene is Important! Minimal splatter of body fluids when injury involved Keeping food and drinks away from high risk areas Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, lip balms, and contact lenses away from risk

Vaccinations Protect Yourself Vaccinate against a Hepatitis B infection!

Clean-up of Body Fluids Includes wearing appropriate protective equipment Includes using a bleach or disinfecting solution Includes disinfecting mops and cleaning tools

Remember… Allow students to care for own wounds whenever possible Pinch own nose in case of bleeding Wash own wounds Apply own band-aid When you must assist… Wear gloves Wash hands

What to do if exposed Clean the area thoroughly. Report the incident