Bloodborne pathogens, particularly HBV (Hepatitis B) and HIV (Human immunodeficiency Virus) are present in human blood and body fluids. They are usually transferred to the victim through their mucous membranes, broken or chaffed skin, or by direct blood-to-wound contact. Sexual contact is another mode of transmission, but the scope of this article is limited to work and healthcare environments.

All patients must be assumed to be positive with these viruses in order to protect other patients and the healthcare workers; thus, all precautions must be taken against transmission and post-exposure of all equipment, linens, towels, sponges, and areas which have been exposed to blood, body fluids, or vomit.

Universal precautions outlined by OSHA are as follows:

Immediately after a procedure or cleanup, gloves and other personal protective equipment must be removed and hands washed thoroughly. All gloves, needles, sharps, and personal protective equipment must be disposed of in labeled or color-coded (red or orange) recepticles.

Soiled laundry must be contained and transported in labeled or color-coded (red or orange) receptacles.

All needles and sharp equipment must be placed in sharps containers (bins) which are puncture resistant, labeled or color-coded, leak-proof on sides and bottom.

Precautions must be taken to ensure that there are no needles or sharps embedded in bedding or other laundry.

Protection (gloves, goggles) must be used when handling used bedding/laundry and during all procedures.

Areas which have been exposed to blood, body fluids, vomit, must be cleaned and disinfected, then all equipment used for such cleaning must also be disinfected. The disinfectant required is BETCO.

Always wear personal protective equipment.

Never eat, drink, smoke, or apply lip balm in areas in which there is a possibility of bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Never manually compress trash.

Avoid splashing or splattering when washing hands and during clean up.

Never reuse towels or sponges.

Use spatulas, absorbance, or tongs for cleanup when possible.

Handle contaminated laundry cautiously.

Use properly labeled containers, bins, and bags when disposing of or transporting contaminated equipment--including gloves, laundry, and equipment.

Hepatitis B vaccinations must be available to all health workers at no cost. Vaccinations must be administered immediately after the initial bloodborne pathogen training and within ten days previous to an assignment which could result in bloodborne pathogen exposure.

POST-EXPOSURE PROTOCOL

Per OSHA, when any exposure occurs, the employer must keep records regarding the exposure and the victim's status for the following three years.

If you are exposed to any blood or body fluids through any means of transmission, immediately notify your supervisor and your physician. The symptoms of post-HBV and HIV exposure may not appear for up to years after the initial exposure. Symptoms include (HBV: fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, vomiting,, diarrhea, light colored stools, and dark urine.) (HIV: constant fatigue, sore throat, persistent fever, persistent rash of unknown origin, night sweats, persistent swollen glands, mild-to severe flu-like symptoms.) If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

Every workplace where there is a risk of bloodborne virus exposure must have and provide for employees a yearly-updated OSHA Exposure Control Plan.