Transcript HG067-2.23_Blood Borne Pathogens

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What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne Pathogens are disease-causing
organisms carried in human blood and certain other
body fluids.
HIV and Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C are the most
serious bloodborne pathogens.
Viruses
Viruses are extremely small, simple infectious organisms
that can grow and duplicate only while inside a living
cell.
Unlike bacteria, viruses are not considered to be
independent living organisms.
More than 500 viruses can fit on the point of a pin and
most are too small to be seen with an ordinary
microscope.
Viruses
You cannot see the pathogens that cause disease so all
blood and bodily fluids should be treated as if it were
infected (Universal Precautions). If blood or bodily
fluids come into contact with skin, eyes, or mouth, wash
the area with soap and water or flush eyes with water as
soon as possible.
Hepatitis
•Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. After
exposure to Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, it may take several
months for symptoms to appear.
•Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C are potentially life-threatening
bloodborne pathogens.
Hepatitis B
The symptoms of Hepatitis B include severe flu-like
symptoms and jaundice. Those infected with Hepatitis
B may have no symptoms for several weeks but may
spread the disease to others through contact with blood,
saliva or other bodily fluids. Some are chronic carriers
and pass on the disease but show no symptoms
themselves.
•Hepatitis B (HBV) may lead to cirrhosis of the liver,
liver cancer and death.
•Vaccination is the best prevention for HBV.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis
C virus. You may be at risk for Hepatitis C and should
contact your medical care provider for a blood test if you:
were notified that you received blood from a donor who
later tested positive for Hepatitis C; ever injected illegal
drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years
ago; received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant
before July, 1992; received a blood product for clotting
problems produced before 1987; have ever been on longterm kidney dialysis; have evidence of liver disease (e.g.,
persistently abnormal ALT levels).
There is no vaccine currently available for Hepatitis C
HIV
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus
which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency
syndrome). HIV destroys the cells of the immune
system so the body cannot defend itself from illnesses.
HIV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact or
through direct contact of infected bodily fluids with the
blood of an uninfected person. HIV is not spread
through contact with saliva. This virus is very fragile
and dies quickly outside the body. HIV is not
transmitted by touching or working around people who
carry the disease.
HIV
•HIV may live in the body for years and can be spread to
other people even before any symptoms appear.
•There is no vaccine for HIV
•Needlestick injuries account for 80% of reported
occupational HIV exposures
Universal Precautions
You cannot see the pathogens that cause disease so all
blood and bodily fluids should be treated as if it [they]
were
infected!
The Spread of Viruses
Even a small opening in the skin can provide entry
for bloodborne pathogens, therefore treat all body
fluids as if they were contaminated. Do not touch
any blood or bodily fluids unless personal protective
equipment (PPE) is worn. Wash hands immediately
after removing PPE and wipe the faucet handles with
a towel to prevent recontamination. Never eat, drink
or smoke in areas where contact with infectious
material is possible.
Gloves
Gloves must be worn if contact with potentially
infectious materials is possible.
•Bandage all cuts before putting on gloves
•Remove rings before putting on gloves
•Replace disposable gloves as soon as possible if they
become contaminated, torn, punctured or damaged
•Never wash, decontaminate or reuse disposable gloves
•Heavy utility gloves can be reused if properly
disinfected with 10% bleach solution
•Remove gloves before leaving the work area
•Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves
How Can You Be Infected?
•Cleaning up blood
•Contact with contaminated linens
•Touching contaminated trash
•While working with live research blood products, in
clinics or laboratories
•While performing F[f]irst-aid
Exposure Control Plan
•Explains how you can be infected
•Reinforces regular hand washing to keep from
transferring contamination from hands to other areas
•Encourages that personnel wear required personal
protective equipment (PPE)
•Explains the hazards of handling contaminated linens
and the importance of proper housekeeping
•Provide proper containment for all contaminated waste
Good Housekeeping
•Label all biohazards
•Never touch broken glass
•Carefully clean spilled blood
•Wear PPE (gloves); respirator (mask) and eye protection
if splashing is possible
•Use disposable towels soaked in an approved
disinfectant or a 10% bleach & water solution
Biohazardous Waste
Waste that has contacted body fluids must be disposed
of in containers that are properly labeled, closable, leakproof and identified by the color red or by the biohazard
symbol.
Biohazardous waste includes:
*Contaminated protective clothing
*Contaminated laundry
*Used sharps such as needles, razors, blades, broken
glass or other objects that can pierce the skin
*All potentially infectious material
NEVER reach into a trash container