Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Blood-Borne Pathogens
Summary:
Blood-Borne Pathogens, or BBPs, refers to pathogens within the blood which may produce infection. Some common BBPs in humans may include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Typically exposure to BBPs results from three methods. Blood or bodily fluid contact on mucous membranes which are thin tissues that line various body openings such as the mouth, nose and eyes. Second, by a needle stick or cut from a sharp object contaminated with blood or bodily fluid. Exposure to BBPs may also occur by blood or bodily fluid contact across broken skin, including an open cut or wound.
A set of Infection control strategies known as routine practices used to protect workers from exposure to infectious disease. Routine practices involve:
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Risk Assessment
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Hand Hygiene
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Personal Protective Equipment
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Environmental controls
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Administrative controls
More detailed information can be found via the links below
For Information See:
Blood And Body Fluid Exposure Response Procedures Pg. 32
Additional Resources:
College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard - Infection Prevention and Control
Last Revised: April 17, 2019