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656 Bloodborne Pathogens in the Healthcare Setting
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What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Introduction

Bloodborne pathogens are capable of causing serious illness and death. The most common illnesses caused by bloodborne pathogens are:.

  • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV);
  • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV); and
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Many occupations expose employees to bloodborne pathogens.

Other commonly recognized pathogens transmitted by body fluids include:

  • West Nile Virus
  • Malaria
  • Syphilis

OSHA has determined employers can minimize or even eliminate occupational bloodborne hazards by developing and enforcing a combination of exposure control strategies which work for all bloodborne diseases. It is not enough for an employer to provide bloodborne pathogens training. They must also have a formal exposure control plan documented and implemented.

Training Is Not Enough; An Employer Must Implement A Formal Exposure Control Plan

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-1. As part of Kevin's job he is required to provide emergency first aid to employees that become injured or ill while at work. What are the three primary bloodborne pathogens Kevin must be aware of due to occupational exposure?