Blood Borne Pathogens

Of all the various ways disease can be passed between humans, probably the most dangerous form for health care workers or first aid practitioners, are the blood borne pathogens for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While the HIV virus will die within seconds of exposure to air and statistically presents only a .3% risk of infection through skin exposure, the hepatitis B virus which can survive up to one hundred fifty days even in dried blood carries a 6 to 30 percent infection risk. While the blood borne pathogen hepatitis B virus can be inoculated against, the HIV has no such vaccine. These risk assessments are based solely on skin contact, accidental ingestion, surgical activity or accidental needlepoint punctures raise the chances of infection drastically.

The American Red Cross and other first aid training companies are good sources of booklets and fact sheets on the ways to guard against these blood borne pathogens. In their information you will find advice on the best types of protective materials to use. For the professional health care worker there are CPR shields which fit over the mouth and minimize any direct contact with body fluids from a stranger being worked on. Eye goggles and facial coverings are also options covered in blood borne pathogens training classes.

Thorough cleaning of the hands and any other exposed skin surfaces is another very necessary preventative measure against these blood borne pathogens. In the workplace there are a number of professional hand washing stations and disinfectant soaps to kill these deadly viruses. Any workplace where there is even a small chance of having blood borne pathogen spills or accidental exposure are also required to have emergency eye washing stations complete with the necessary fluids to kill the virus without injuring the eyes.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has very strict and definite procedures for dealing with blood borne pathogens. Along with lists of the types of required clothing and equipment for designated workers, they cover a wide range of requirements for the storage and transfer of substances and materials that have any risk of blood borne pathogen exposure. There are guideline booklets available which are required to be available in either workplace office or warehouse.

For those who work in cleanup positions either at hospitals or crime scenes there have been developed "Fluid Pickup Kits" which will contain specially treated biohazard bags and cleanup towels as well as full body anti contamination suits. While such measures may seem extreme at times, the deadliness of these blood borne pathogens makes it necessary to take all the precautions possible to avail falling victim to these diseases while helping others in need.