Bloodborne pathogens

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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS Blood borne pathogens are harmful microorganism in human blood that can cause disease in humans. The most common blood borne pathogens are HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

The risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens is high in occupations which involves the intervention of needle stick and sharps. This includes medical services, nurses, first aid services, housekeeping staff and waste management staff. A small mishap where a used sharp comes in direct contact with blood of the person handling it, can trigger various detrimental infections. Common sites of contact include scars, tissue tears and wounds. Therefore, having comprehensive exposure control protocols are mandatory for every person having exposure to blood borne pathogens. These should be reviewed and updated regularly. Following are the major blood borne pathogens that can infect humans:


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