1. Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare
What’s Your Safety Temperature?

2. Objectives Define bloodborne pathogen
Recognize risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Understand how to reduce those risks
Learn prevention strategies

3. Bloodborne Pathogen Definition
A disease or infecting-producing agent that can be acquired through exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials

4. The Risks
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV

5. How can transmission occur?
Puncture of the skin with a contaminated needle or sharp device
Broken/damaged skin contact
Cuts
Wounds
Scratches
Splash into the eyes, nose or mouth

6. What can you do? Follow your organization’s Exposure Control Program
Practice Universal Precautions
Treat all blood and other potentially infectious materials as contaminated
Cover your skin when compromised

7. What can you do? Follow your organization’s Exposure Control Program
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as barriers
Gloves
Goggles/Masks/Face Shields
Gowns

8. What can you do? Follow your organization’s Exposure Control Program
Use safer needle devices
Properly handle and dispose of needles and sharps
Always use designated Sharps Containers

9. What can you do? Follow your organization’s Exposure Control Program
Practice good hygiene
Wash hands and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water immediately following contact with potentially infectious materials
If blood gets in your eyes, nose or mouth, flush thoroughly with water
Use caution when cleaning up blood spills
Wear gloves
Use proper disinfectant
Wash hands immediately

10. What can you do? Follow your organization’s Exposure Control Program
Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in work areas that could be contaminated
Attend training when offered

11. Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare
What’s Your Safety Temperature?