Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause certain diseases in humans. Some diseases caused by these pathogens can include, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) a type of liver disease that inflames the liver and leads to liver damage and sometimes liver cancer.

Another bloodborne pathogen is Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which is also associated with aids. Both diseases can show no symptoms for years after infection so, if you feel you may have contacted any of these diseases you should get tested. To avoid diseases such as the ones listed above we must not only educate the staff and employees who may come into contact with these bloodborne pathogens so they have a lowered risk of being infected but so others do as well. Due to these concerns, The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention established the "Universal Precaution". Meaning that blood and certain body fluids from all patients should be considered potentially infectious and that infection control precautions be taken to minimize the risk of exposure.

Some additional protocol to follow would be alternate coloring for or labeling for soiled laundry while using Universal Precaution to let all employees that Universal Precaution is required. All employees must know and follow the Universal precaution because bloodborne pathogens have the potential to shorten and make life a burden and that is the last thing that is wanted.