Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans. Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens is an occupational hazard for healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement, and others. Understanding how exposures occur and what actions to take after an exposure is critical.
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that are carried in blood and can infect people when transmitted from an infected person. The most common bloodborne pathogens are:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) – Causes hepatitis B infection, which can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) – Causes hepatitis C infection, which can also lead to chronic liver disease.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – Causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Syphilis – Caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Can have serious complications if left untreated.
Other less common examples include malaria, babesiosis, brucellosis, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. Proper precautions must be taken when potential exposure to any bloodborne pathogen is possible.
How Exposures Occur
Exposure means that infected blood or body fluids have contacted your eyes, mouth, other mucous membranes, or non-intact skin (like skin that is chapped, scraped, or has dermatitis). Here are some ways exposure can happen:
- Needlestick injury – Being accidentally punctured by a used needle or other sharp object contaminated with blood. This is a common source of exposure for healthcare workers.
- Cuts or open wounds – If infected blood makes contact with open cuts, sores, or cracked skin.
- Splashes – When infected blood splashes into your eyes, nose or mouth. Can occur during procedures.
- Human bites – Human bites that break the skin can transmit bloodborne diseases if the biter is infected.
In healthcare settings, most exposures are caused by needlesticks and other sharp object injuries. However, any situation where infected blood can enter your body puts you at risk.
Actions To Take After an Exposure
If you are ever exposed to blood or body fluids on the job, follow these important steps right away:
1. Wash The Exposed Area
- For skin exposures, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- For splashes to eyes or mouth, flush with water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Report The Incident
- Notify your supervisor immediately.
- Follow your workplace exposure control plan and any reporting requirements.
3. Seek Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Get medical evaluation from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
- Discuss risks and whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications to prevent infection.
- PEP must begin within 72 hours of exposure to be effective.
4. Get Tested
- Get baseline blood tests for any bloodborne pathogens of concern based on the source.
- Get follow up testing to check for seroconversion over the next 6 months.
Immediate, proper response to exposures is crucial. Do not delay washing, reporting, or seeking medical evaluation after any bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Preventing Exposures in Healthcare Settings
While exposures can never be fully eliminated, there are ways for healthcare organizations and workers to reduce the risk:
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Safer medical devices – Using needleless systems, retractable syringes, and other safety engineered devices can help prevent needlestick injuries.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) – PPE like gloves, gowns, masks and face shields act as barriers to prevent contact between blood/body fluids and your eyes, nose, mouth or skin.
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Safe work practices – Things like proper sharps disposal, handling dirty linens carefully, and cleaning spills thoroughly are important.
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Hepatitis B vaccination – Getting vaccinated protects against infection from the most common bloodborne pathogen.
By understanding how bloodborne pathogen exposures occur and following safety protocols, risks to healthcare personnel can be minimized. But even with the best precautions, exposures may still happen. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately is critical for preventing infection.
