Bloodborne Pathogens Scott Anderson CCEMTP Materials used with permission from the Oklahoma State University
What is a Bloodborne Pathogen? Microorganisms that are carried in the blood that can cause disease in humans.
Common Bloodborne Pathogen Malaria Brucellosis Syphilis Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV) Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Diseases
Hepatitis B (HBV) 1-1.251.25 million Americans are chronically infected. Symptoms include: jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, intermittent nausea and vomiting. May lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and death. Vaccination available since 1982 HBV can survive for at least one week in dried blood. Symptoms can occur 1-91 9 months after exposure.
Hepatitis C (HCV) Hepatitis C is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. Symptoms include: jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, intermittent nausea, vomiting. May lead to chronic liver disease and death.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS. HIV depletes the immune system HIV does not survive well outside the body No threat on contacting HIV through casual contact.
Symptoms of HIV Symptoms can vary, but often include: Weakness Fever Sore throat Nausea Headaches Diarrhea Weight loss Swollen lymph glands A white coating to the tongue
Possible Infectious Body Fluids Bloodborne pathogens such as HBV and HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected human blood and other potentially infectious body fluids such as: Semen (the viscid, whitish fluid from the male) Vaginal secretions (fluid from the female cervix). Cerebrospinal fluid (colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord).
Possible Infectious Body Fluids Synovial fluid (fluid that lubricates and cushions the joint). Pleural fluid (fluid between the pleural membranes of the lung and the inner chest wall). Peritoneal fluid (fluid in the gastrointestinal organs). Amniotic fluid (fluid which surrounds the fetus). Saliva (in dental procedures). Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood.
Transmission Potential Contact with another person s s blood or body fluid that may contain blood Mucous membranes: eyes, mouth and nose Non-intact skin Contaminated sharps/needles
HBV and HIV transmission (most common routes) Sexual Contact Sharing of hypodermic needles From mothers to their babies at/before birth Accidental puncture from contaminated needles, broken glass, or other sharps Contact between broken or damaged skin and infected body fluids Contact between mucous membranes and infected body fluids
Exposure Potential Industrial Accidents Administering first aid Post accident cleanup Handling of returned products Janitorial or maintenance work Handling of any waste product
Regulated Medical Waste Liquid or semi liquid blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) Contaminated items that would release blood or OPIM when compressed Contaminated sharps Pathological and microbiological waste containing blood or OPIM
Universal Precautions Use of proper PPE Treat all blood and bodily fluids as if they are contaminated Proper cleanup and decontamination Disposal of all contaminated material in the proper manner
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Anything that is used to protect a person from exposure Latex or Nitrile gloves, goggles, CPR mouth barriers, gowns, face shields and aprons.
PPE Rules to Remember Always check PPE for defects or tears before using. If PPE becomes torn or defective, remove and get new. Remove PPE before leaving a contaminated area. Do not reuse disposable equipment.
PPE Rules Normal clothing that becomes contaminated with blood should be removed as soon as possible because fluids can seep through the cloth to come into contact with the skin.
Work Place Practices If you are working in an area where there is reasonable likelihood of exposure, you should never: Eat Drink Smoke Apply cosmetics or lip balm Handle contact lenses
Decontamination When cleaning up surfaces use a hepacide such as Quat or Cidex. Do not initial wipe up Spray and allow it to stand for ten minutes, then wipe up. Dispose of all wipes in biohazard containers. PPE should be removed and disposed of in biohazard containers
Hand Washing Wash hands immediately after removing PPE Use a soft antibacterial soap A hand sanitizer can be used but wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
Signs and Labels Labels must include the universal biohazard symbol, and the term Biohazard must be attached to: Containers of regulated biohazard waste Refrigerators or freezers containing blood or OPIM Containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or OPIM
Exposure Incident A specific incident of contact with potentially infectious bodily fluid If there are no infiltrations of mucous membranes or open skin surfaces, it is not considered an occupational exposure Post exposure medical evaluations are offered by employer
Post-exposure Evaluation Confidential medical evaluation Document route of exposure Identify source individual Test source individuals blood (with their consent) Provide results to exposed employee
Hepatitis B Vaccination Strongly endorsed by the medical profession Offered to all potentially exposed employees Provided at no cost to employees There also is a declination form if you choose not to have the vaccine
Recordkeeping Medical records include: Hepatitis B vaccination status Post exposure evaluation and follow up results Training records include: Training dates Contents of the training Signature of trainer and trainee
Conclusion BB pathogen rules and regulations are in place for your health and safety Failure to follow them is a risk that does not need to be taken
Question? Can you place an uncontaminated sharp in a regular trash bag?
Answer No: It must be placed in a sharps container even if it is not contaminated.
Question? If you have cleaned up after a call, you remove your gloves and dispose of them. Should you wash your hands after removing your gloves?
Answer Yes: It is required that you wash your hands before doing anything after you have removed your gloves.
Question? What are the three viruses that EMS providers are concerned with?
Answer Hepatitis B Hepatitis C HIV