# Bloodborne Pathogens --- **Bloodborne pathogens** are, as the name suggests, [[pathogen|pathogens]] found in the [[blood]]. These pathogens can be transmitted through the contact of (human) blood, blood components, and products made from blood, as well as other materials such as [[sperm|semen]], [[vagina|vaginal secretions]], [[cerebrospinal fluid]], [[synovial joint|synovial fluid]], [[amniotic sac|amniotic fluid]], or any unfixed tissue or organ (except intact skin). This includes but is not limited to [[hepatitis|hepatitis B]], [[hepatitis|hepatitis C]] and [[HIV]]. ## Safety Controls Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a serious concern for health workers, as exposure to blood—especially via a **needlestick**—is not only a potential hazard, but a method of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Although specific procedures can vary from organization to organization, they should be compliant with OSHA's [Bloodborne Pathogens Standard](https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens), in addition to using [[standard precautions]]. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing workplace exposure, such as using needless devices, shielded needle devices and plastic capillary tubes. About 25% of sharps injuries occur to non-users of the safety devices. > [!abstract] Best practices for preventing needlestick injuries >- **Plan** safe handling and disposal before any procedure. >- Use safe and effective **needle alternatives** when available. >- Use needles with engineered **Sharps Engineered Sharps Injury Protection** (SESIPs). > - (Chromatic's note: Come on OSHA, surely you can come up with a better acronym than *that*) >- Always **activate** the device’s safety features. >- **Do not pass** used sharps between workers. >- **Do not recap, shear, or break** contaminated needles. >- **Immediately dispose of** contaminated needles in in properly secured, puncture-resistant, closable, leak-proof, labeled sharps containers. ## Exposure Protocol In the case of an exposure, immediate action is essential for limiting the risk of serious infection. Your risk of acquiring HIV following a sharps injury exposure to an HIV-positive patient can be reduced by 85% by immediately seeking treatment and taking the antiviral medication that is provided. ___