Treating Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

[Greg Garner]

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Article Title: Treating Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Author: Greg Garner
Word Count: 539
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Being needle stuck when working with contaminated blood is a very stressful experience. There are distinct steps that need to be taken when exposed to bloodborne pathogens and following these steps may save you from being infected. As a note, all healthcare and those who work with bloodborne pathogens are required by OSHA and several other healthcare acts to have a Hepatitis B vaccination before or shortly after starting work.

Exposure

If you are exposed to bloodborne pathogens, take the following steps:

1. Wash needlestick injuries as well as cuts and exposed skin with hot water and medicated soaps.

2. If splashed by blood or body fluids that are infectious or potentially infectious flush the area with warm water. This is particularly important if the splash occurred around the mouth or nose.

3. If splashed in or around the eyes, irrigate with clean water or sterile irrigates for at least twenty minutes.

4. Report the incident immediately to the employee identified as the contact point for bloodborne pathogen exposure. Report the incident to the emergency medical services in your area who will take over care.

5. Record the incident and write down exactly what happened. Include the time, circumstances and date of the exposure. Also document any action take after you have been exposed.

6. Seek immediate care as required in your employee's exposure control plan. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require that an exposure control plan be completely written out and available to all employees.

7. Hepatitis B vaccination series must be available for all employees at no cost. Employees must receive the vaccination within 10 days of hire. All employees are required to take bloodborne pathogen classes. If an employee needs more information, contact the OSHA representative in your office.

Preventing Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

There are steps in the bloodborne pathogen plans that need to be followed. These procedures will help keep medical, housekeeping and laboratory workers safe from exposure:

1. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment or PPE. All healthcare and emergency personnel are required to wear protective gloves. This provides a barrier between blood and body fluids and you.

2. Gowns, mouthpieces plus resuscitation bags and face masks are required to reduce the risks of exposure to blood and bodily fluids. PPE should be approved and be readily accessible.

3. Additional standards of protection against contracting bloodborne pathogens include:

� No eating in the same room as contaminated patients or substances;
� No smoking in areas occupied by carriers of bloodborne pathogens;
� No applying cosmetics while working with infected patients;
� Do not handle contact lenses while working with bloodborne pathogens or patients.

These are universal precautions designed to prevent healthcare workers from contracting infection form bloodborne pathogens. All situations where there is potential for contact with body fluids including blood must include the proper PPE. There should also be trained first aid responders in all areas where the potential for infection is high. Do remember that nicks and cuts in your skin in addition to your nose, eyes and mouth are possible entry ways for infectious pathogens to enter your bloodstream.


About The Author: For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Course website http://www.hipaaexams.com/bloodborne-pathogens-training.asp

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