CDC Guidelines for Bloodborne Pathogens

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise the use of "universal precautions" to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens, or disease. The universal precautions minimize exposure of health care workers to blood, and recommend that the blood of all patients be treated as if it is infectious. Doing so protects both health care workers and patients as well, by minimizing the risk of contagion.

Bloodborne Pathogens

• Bloodborne pathogens are microscopic organisms (or microorganisms) that can cause illness in people. They are found in the blood or other body fluids. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS, and hepatitis B virus (HBV), are two of the most common bloodborne pathogens. These diseases and others pose a serious threat to health care workers.

Routes of Transmission

• HIV, HBV and other diseases can be transmitted if they come in contact with mucous membranes of the nose, eye, or mouth or through a break in the skin. They can also be transmitted by a puncture wound, such as a needle stick, or from a cut from a scalpel or razor. Outside of a clinical setting, sexual contact is another way for transmission to occur.

Protective Barriers

• One of the main lines of defense against these pathogens is using protective barriers and clothing. CDC guidelines recommend using gloves whenever blood or other body fluid may be present. Gowns help to protect skin and clothing from exposure. Eye and face protection, such as goggles, shields, and masks, protect the mucous membranes of the face from being exposed to pathogens.

Prevent Injuries

• It is essential for a health care worker to use the utmost care when handling sharp tools and instruments, like needles and scalpels. There must be a special puncture-resistant "Sharps" container nearby to immediately dispose of those tools and instruments. CDC advises that, once used, needles should never be recapped or removed by hand.

Hand Washing

• CDC guidelines specify that health care workers wash their hands before and after dealing with each patient. Any time the worker put on or takes off gloves, she should wash her hands. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease. Each hand wash should take a minimum of 10 seconds, with medical-grade soap.

Management of Waste

• All materials that are contaminated with blood or body fluids should be disposed of in red bag, or biohazard, trash. Linens that are soiled with body fluids should be handled with gloves and carefully processed to avoid any transfer of pathogens to the environment.

Remember

• If there is any danger of being exposed to blood or body fluid, wear protective clothing and equipment. Never leave food or drinks in areas where infectious material may be. Be careful with any needles or scalpels and dispose of them immediately in the proper Sharps containers.