Essay On Blood Borne Pathogens

You Control Employee Exposure to Both?" In today’s health care world there are numerous harmful objects that we must be aware of at all times. Airborne and blood borne pathogens are just two, but they are something that everyone in the health care field will come across, whether they are a nurse, receptionist or manager. Knowing what both Airborne and blood borne pathogens are, how to prevent exposure to both and what agencies/laws are in place to help prevent exposure are all important items that will be covered in this paper. A blood borne pathogen is a pathogenic microorganism that is present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These microorganisms could be a virus, bacteria or parasites. Different types of blood borne viruses are HIV and Hepatitis B and C, and two different kinds of parasites are babesosis and malaria. Blood borne pathogens can be transferred between humans through different routes. Most common ways of transference in the medical field are needle sticks and skin to skin contact. An Airborne pathogen is any disease that is caused by pathogens and transmitted through …show more content…
Knowing how to handle such items, in a safe manner, will protect them from blood borne pathogens. It is a good idea to have employees practice disposing of these objects that haven’t infected, so they are better prepared when handling the real thing. Such as uncapping and recapping needles. Needles account for most of the injuries nurses receive. In fact, injuries with needles were so prevalent; a new act called The Needlestick Safety Prevention Act was made in April 2001. Training and practicing will help lower needlestick numbers. It is also important to have containers for sharp utensil available and easy to access. They should be leak proof and labeled bio-hazard. This way all employees know that there is a threat of blood borne pathogens in the