Bloodborne Pathogens

1
Bloodborne Pathogens

• Most common in US
• Human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)-affects the
  immune system. Symptoms include sore throat,
  nausea, headaches, weight loss, and white coating
  on tongue.
• Hepatitis B (HBV)-affects liver and causes flu
  like symptoms, including jaundice. Survives up to
  a week in dried blood. Vaccine since 1982.
• Hepatitis C (HCV)-leading cause of liver
  transplants. Most common chronic bloodborne
  infection. No vaccine yet.

2
You cannot catch HBV, HCV, HIV

• Through the air (like a cold or the flu)
• Through casual, everyday contact (sharing
  bathrooms, kitchens, etc.)
• Through nonsexual social situations
• Through insects or mosquitoes
• Through urine, feces, nasal secretions, vomit,
  sweat or tears from an infected person
• A bite that breaks the skin has been known to
  transmit HBV

3
BBP Exposure Control Plan
http//www.etsu.edu/healthsafety/Biosafety/index.h
tm

• Potential Exposure Determination (who?)
• Safe Work Practices (HEP B offer free of charge
  or Declination)
• Decontaminating equipment (EPA registered
  solution or 110 ratio of bleach and water)
• Selecting and using PPE (minimum gloves)
• Handling bio-waste
• Labels and signs
• Training Requirements (Initially and annually)

4
Modes of Transmission

• Stick or Cut
• Splash to mucous membranes of the eyes, nose,
  mouth or broken skin with contaminated blood
• Unprotected sex with infected partner

5
BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS

• FIRST - Remember Universal Precautions!!
• All blood/body fluids should be treated as
  contaminated.
• Utilize spill kits and PPE.
• Follow proper disposal of infectious waste
  procedures.
• Laundry may require a different procedure.
• Wash hands after handling any blood/body fluids
  and after removing gloves. Use antiseptic hand
  cleaner (gt60 Alcohol) clean paper/cloth towels
  or antiseptic towelettes when "in the field"

6
Decontamination

• Clean and decontaminate all equipment and
  environmental and working surfaces after contact
  with blood and/or body fluids
• Decontaminate with appropriate disinfectant
• Decontaminating equipment (EPA registered
  solution or 110 ratio of bleach and water)

7
DISPOSAL OF INFECTIOUS WASTE

• Blood and body fluid spills are to be placed in a
  bio-hazard (red) trash bag.
• The bag, then placed in the appropriate container
  for its disposal.
• Sharps containers
• Needles
• Blades
• Broken glass

8
SUMMARY
Protect yourself on and off the job- know the
facts Practice good personal hygiene Follow work
rules, use gloves and protective clothing Wash
your hands often, after work or exposure Keep
areas clean - report problems immediately to
supervisors