Bloodborne Pathogen

1. Bloodborne Pathogen

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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!

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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. Vaccinations • Protect Yourself • Vaccinate against a Hepatitis B infection!

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

16. 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

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