Preventing Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in Referral Facilities

This FAQ outlines essential information regarding bloodborne pathogen (BBP) hazards and preventative measures, drawing on the standards required in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers. As staff working by referral, you operate under the specific facility's supervision and adhere to its established policies.
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General Understanding

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Q1: What are Bloodborne Pathogens (BBPs) and how are they transmitted?

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBPs) are microorganisms that can cause disease in humans. They include serious concerns like the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These pathogens are transmitted through contact with infected human blood and certain body fluids.

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Q2: What are Universal Precautions, and why are they essential?

Universal Precautions (also known as Standard Precautions) is the fundamental approach to infection control. This principle requires that all human blood and certain body fluids must be treated as if they are known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other BBPs. Adherence to this principle, in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, is the primary strategy for prevention.

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Prevention: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Q3: When am I required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE is essential and available at the facilities where you work. You must wear appropriate protective gear when there is any potential for contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated items.

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Q4: What specific PPE items should I use to protect against splashes and direct contact?

Gloves must be worn for any task involving potential contact with blood or body fluids. Gloves should be changed between tasks and patients, and removed promptly after use.
Gowns/Aprons should be worn to protect your skin and clothing during procedures that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids.
Masks, Goggles, or Face Shields should be worn during procedures likely to generate splashes or sprays to protect the eyes, nose, and mouth.

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Q5: What is the required protocol for Hand Hygiene?

A key component of Universal Precautions is the practice of frequent hand hygiene. You must wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after removing gloves and after any contact with blood, body fluids, excretions, or contaminated items.

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Prevention: Work Practice Controls

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Q6: What is the proper procedure for disposing of contaminated sharps (like needles)?

To prevent needlestick and other sharps injuries, you must follow strict safety protocols:
Never recap, bend, or break contaminated needles or other sharps.
Utilize self-sheathing needles and other safer medical devices whenever possible.
Dispose of all used sharps immediately in designated, puncture-resistant, labeled, and leak-proof sharps containers.
Sharps containers must be easily accessible and located as close as possible to the area where the sharps are used.

Q7: How should I handle contaminated laundry and surfaces?

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Contaminated Laundry: Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible. Always wear appropriate PPE and place the laundry in leak-proof bags.
Contaminated Surfaces: To clean and decontaminate surfaces after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, use EPA-registered tuberculocidal or hospital-grade disinfectants.

Q8: Are there any prohibited activities in work areas where BBP exposure is possible?

Yes. To minimize exposure risk, you are strictly prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure. Furthermore, food and drink must not be stored in refrigerators or areas where blood or potentially infectious materials are kept.

Understanding BBP prevention is similar to using a safety checklist before a flight. You must assume that every situation poses a risk (Universal Precautions), verify that your personal protective equipment (PPE) is properly utilized, and strictly follow established procedures (Sharps Controls) every single time, because even one oversight can lead to a serious hazard.

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