Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare Facilities

You can be put in the greatest danger by the things you cannot see. This holds true for bloodborne pathogens, the disease causing microorganisms found in human blood. Because the dangers are so serious, OSHA has set specific guidelines and regulations for dealing with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. While there are a number of pathogens you may encounter, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are the greatest threats. Certainly, exposure to any of these pathogens would be exceedingly hazardous. This training lesson shows how exposure to bloodborne pathogens can occur in a healthcare facility, and how to avoid and deal with potential exposures.

As a healthcare professional, the most common way for you to come into contact with bloodborne pathogens is through a contaminated foreign object. Maybe you are moving a gurney and are accidentally punctured by an infected needle, or a combative patient bites you. Your facility should have an Exposure Control Plan which details how to handle these situations, as well as steps to help prevent them from the onset. Learn about the Exposure Control plan and other key ways to help prevent exposure, such as through the use of labeling and proper PPE, through this online training.

Of course, even when proper procedures are followed, accidental exposure may still occur. You must be able to know what to do in these situations, which you will gain through the materials provided here. With this information, you will be better equipped to deal with, and help prevent, exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the healthcare industry.

   This course is in the Video On Demand format, to read about Video On Demand features click here.

All those working in healthcare

• Introduction
• HIV, Hepatitis and Sources of Infection
• The Exposure Control Plan
• Labeling
• Reducing Exposure: Work Practices
• Reducing Exposure: Housekeeping
• Reducing Exposure: Materials and Equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Vaccination
• Accidental Exposure
• Post-Exposure Procedures
• Conclusion

• Bloodborne Pathogens General Awareness
• Bloodborne Pathogens: The Unexpected Hazard
• Bloodborne Pathogens: To The Point