Transmission of blood borne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) is dangerous as it can lead to deadly diseases. If blood or bodily fluid from an infected person enters your body through needle sticks, cuts, open sores, abrasions or mucous membranes, you are likely to be affected. Hence, it is crucial to learn the best ways to prevent or reduce blood borne pathogen exposure.

Best Ways To Reduce Exposure To Blood Borne Pathogens

Every medical or health care facility and any organization that reasonably anticipates exposure to blood borne pathogens should establish a plan for preventing exposure to these harmful microorganisms. Special measures must be taken to reduce the risk of getting infected and transmitting infection.

– It is important to adopt comprehensive strategies to prevent or reduce exposure to human blood or body fluids that are potentially infectious. Use of protective clothing, eyewear, gloves and face mask is important while handling blood and bodily fluid like vaginal secretion, saliva (with visible blood) and semen.

– You should always wear gloves while administering first aid for wounds.

– Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infections. You should wash your hands with antimicrobial soap and water after contacting with blood and bodily fluids. Washing your hands properly is very important even if you wear gloves or personal protective clothing.

Remember that gloves or protective clothing is not always a substitute for hand washing. You can use alcohol based hand rub if your hands are not visibly contaminated. If you do not have access to soap and water, you must use instant gel hand sanitizer and towels. Always keep hand sanitizers, paper towels and tissues in your first aid kit.

– Studies show that wearing gloves while handling needles and other sharp instruments reduces the chance of transmitting infection significantly. Double gloving is also recommended in certain cases.

– Protective eyewear, masks and gowns should be worn while performing tasks like changing dressing. Eyewear helps cover the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. If necessary, you should wear face shields as they offer greater level of protection.

– It is important to wear appropriate footwear to avoid being infected from blood or potentially infectious materials that spill on the surface. Shoes and footwear help prevent your skin’s exposure to harmful microorganisms.

– Make sure that you pass sharp instruments to another person by hand. This is especially important if the situation is highly risky. You should use trays to pass sharp instruments.

– Be sure you remove and discard gloves and protective clothing in a proper manner to avoid transmission of infection. Remove all contaminated materials and dispose them in bags that do not leak. If the blood and fluid waste are in liquid or semi liquid form, you must dispose them in the red bag and label them as biohazard waste.

– Do not pick up broken glass with your hands directly.

– Clean the contaminated surfaces by using appropriate disinfectant.

It is difficult or impossible to cure infections caused by hepatitis b virus and HIV. However, it is easy to take preventative measures to minimize exposure to blood borne pathogens.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

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Category: Advice
Keywords: Online Training,Blood Borne Pathogens