12521 Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control

Course overview

Discussion of bloodborne pathogens and infection control, including identification of types of bloodborne pathogens, how exposure to them can occur, methods to protect yourself from exposure, and the process of reporting an exposure to a bloodborne pathogen. Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens via percutaneous exposure, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin, is a serious, and often preventable, problem. The most common pathogens transmitted include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but sharps-related injuries have been implicated in transmission of more than 20 other pathogens. Many healthcare workers, especially nurses who are involved in direct patient care, are at increased risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Lack of experience or training has been shown to increase the risk for bloodborne exposure, and under-reporting of injuries is common, due to superficial injury, shame, or lack of time to follow through with the reporting process. This program discusses types of bloodborne pathogens, how exposure may occur, methods of protection against exposure, and the reporting process when exposure occurs.