Staying Healthy by Learning About Bloodborne Pathogens

[Greg Garner]

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Article Title: Staying Healthy by Learning About Bloodborne Pathogens
Author: Greg Garner
Word Count: 542
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Bloodborne pathogens are present in infected people and live in blood and body fluids. They do cause diseases and the pathogens that are of high concern include hepatitis C and B, plus HIV which ultimately leads to AIDS. To keep exposure at a minimum, employees who may be exposed to these viruses are required to take bloodborne pathogen classes where they learn about precautions, treatments, and exposure avoidance.

Spread of Bloodborne Pathogens

There are specific ways those in the healthcare, first responder, housekeeping or medical disposal fields can become infected by bloodborne pathogens. These ways include:

� Direct contact defined when blood of body fluids from an infected person enters the body of another person. This can happen through blood splashing in the eyes, spitting which results in direct contact with eyes, nose or mouth and needle sticks.

� Indirect contact or when skin comes in contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. This includes picking up soiled dressings or bandages without gloves.

� Respiratory droplet transmission can cause infection from bloodborne pathogens. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets from that infected person can be inhaled by the medical worker.

� Vector borne transmission of pathogens is through needle sticks, insect bite or other penetration through the skin from infected source.

Precautions

There are definite precautions that can be taken to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. If you are a healthcare worker or someone who could be exposed to blood and body fluids, treat these substances as if they were infectious. Following these precautions:

� Maintain personal hygiene and use PPE or personal protective equipment.

� Mange engineering and work practice controls.

� Use proper techniques when cleaning up spills, maintaining and cleaning equipment.

� Learn and use proper disposal practices as outlined in official OSHA handbooks.

� Take bloodborne pathogen classes to learn the proper procedures to prevent and clean up contaminations.

� USE CPR breathing barriers when giving attempting rescue breaths or using a ventilator.

� Use throw away gloves whenever possible. Use eye masks, gown and face masks or protectors if there is a possibility that blood or fluids could splash.

� Over all cuts and scrapes plus remove any jewelry before putting on disposable gloves.

� Change gloves directly after give care to an infected person,

� Thoroughly wash hands and other areas immediately after providing care. If possible use an alcohol based hand sanitizer

� Always clean and disinfect all equipment and work surfaces that have been soiled by bodily fluids or bloods. Chlorine bleach at a 10 percent solution. Use solution on exposed surfaces and let sit for up to ten minutes before rinsing.Wash and dry uniforms, soiled boots, leather shoes and belts with soap and hot water.

Always use biohazard bags to dispose of gloves, gowns, bandages and needles. Make sure soiled clothing that is not disposable is in a marked plastic bag for cleaning. Biohazard warning labels need to be on all containers holding contaminated materials. If you use needles, sharps disposal containers are critical and proper disposal procedures must be followed.


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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