Infectious materials that are found in blood and cause diseases in humans are known as bloodborne pathogens. The diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B and C. individuals who are exposed to the pathogens are in danger of contracting the disease. Therefore it is mandatory for all individuals that are likely to be exposed to these microorganisms and bloodborne pathogens, to follow certain standard precautions. These 10 standard precautions aim at reducing the chances of transmission of these pathogens.

– Washing of hands

You must wash your hands after dealing with a patient’s blood and other secretions inspite of wearing gloves. It is necessary to use soap or alcohol-based gel for regular hand washing. In case you are dealing with special cases like hyper endemic infections then use a waterless antiseptic solution or an antimicrobial solution to wash your hands.

– Using gloves

Clean non-sterile gloves are useful when dealing with blood and other body fluids. Gloves must always be changed for new procedures on the same patient especially for infectious patients. After removing gloves wash your hands immediately to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

– Protecting face and eyes

It is mandatory to use face masks and eye gear to protect your eyes, mouth and nose from spray of any blood and other body fluids while treating a patient. These are beneficial as they protect you from contracting the bloodborne pathogens.

– Wearing gowns

Wearing a clean non-sterile gown while caring for your patients will protect your skin and clothes from any blood splashes that may occur during every day patient-care activities. It is advisable to take off a dirty gown as soon as the procedure is finished and dispose it in the prescribed manner to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens to the environment and to the other patients.

– Environmental Control

Ensure that you and follow all the hospital procedures regarding the everyday care of patients, disinfection and cleaning of beds, bedside equipment, bed handles and other environmental surfaces. There has to be frequent cleaning of hospital floors also to maintain a clean and fresh environment so that microorganisms are not spread.

– Handling Linen

The handling and transport of soiled linen should be done with care and precision. All clothing and lined soiled with blood and other body fluids should be dealt with in a safe manner to avoid the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

– Using sharp instruments

When using sharp objects like needles and syringes, care must be taken. Avoid removing the needle from the syringe with bare hands. Never recap the used needles or try to break or bend them or create any chance for injury. Use puncture-resistant containers to dispose the used needles and syringes. As these instruments have come in contact with potentially infectious blood, improper disposal may lead to transfer of the bloodbornee pathogens.

– Infectious patient placement

Once a patient has been diagnosed as infectious shift him immediately to a private room. In case of some highly infectious diseases the patient may need to be placed in an isolation room too.

It is necessary to take all the needed precautions to maintain a clean hospital environment that does not cause spread of bloodborne pathogens and other microorganisms from one patient to another.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne pathogens website http://www.hipaaexams.com/bloodborne-pathogens-training.html

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our Bloodborne pathogens website.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Bloodborne Pathogens,body fluids,AIDS,Hepatitis B,Hepatitis C