Contact with human blood and other bodily fluids like saliva or urine is common under many types of settings. Health care workers, first aiders and security staff come into contact with blood borne pathogens through mucous membranes, non intact skin and needle sticks. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B and C virus are some of the most harmful blood borne pathogens. If you are at a risk of exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, it is important for you to learn how to protect yourself and prevent transmission of blood borne pathogens.

Exposure To Blood- What You May Not Know

1. Blood borne pathogens enter your body through portals of entry such as –

* Lungs (You may inhale harmful microorganisms)

* Mouth (you may take in food without washing your hands properly after contacting with blood or bodily fluids)

* Blood stream (if you have cuts, scrapes or wounds, microorganisms enter your body via broken skin).

* Blood and tissues through eyes.

2. Staying away from blood and bodily fluids is the most effective way to prevent infection. However, if you are a health care worker or a first aider you may be required to handle potentially contaminated substances. Whenever there is a chance of exposure to these pathogens, you must wear personal protective equipment that include masks, gloves, protective clothing, mouth piece, face shield, resuscitation bags, foot covering and eyewear.

3. It is worth spending time learning how to handle broken sharps and spill cleanup safely.

4. Hand washing is the most effective, often overlooked technique that helps prevent infections caused by blood borne pathogens. Training on these blood borne pathogens will teach you the right way to wash your hands. You will know that you have to –

* Remove jewelry from hands

* Trim your fingernails and cuticles

* Use warm water and soap

* Ensure you clean under fingernails

* Dry your hands with a clean towel.

5. Dispose sharps in rigid disposal containers.

6. If you clean the wounds of the victim, be sure to dispose the infected waste materials and soiled dressings in plastic bags.

7. Using disinfectant that is known to be effective against HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses can help prevent infection.

8. If your personal protective equipment is contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids, dispose them in a proper, safe manner.

9. Remember not to ever take contaminated clothes or protective equipment home.

10. If there is reasonable chance of exposure to blood and bodily fluid in your work area, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses and applying cosmetics.

11. If you are exposed to blood or other bodily fluid, you must provide immediate care to the exposed area. Wash your skin with soap and water. Wash mucous membranes with water. You can clean your eyes with water or saline.

Blood borne pathogens transmit from one person to another quickly and lead to diseases. Having a basic understanding of these microorganisms and taking precautionary measures will help you avoid the risk of infection.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website http://www.bbpexams.com/

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

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation,HIV ,Blood Borne Pathogens ,housekeeping employee,