Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans.

Longwood University’s Environmental Health and Safety has created a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Plan to reduce employee exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 and Virginia State Law. 

This plan covers all employees who may reasonably be anticipated to be at risk for exposure to human blood, or other potentially infectious materials (“OPIM”)’ see list below). 

Other Potentially Infectious Materials (“OPIM”):

• Human tissue or organs (unfixed)
• Human tissue cultures
• Human blood components
• Blood, organs or tissue from research animals inculcated with human cell lines, human tissue
• Blood, organs or tissue from research animals infected with HIV, HBV, HCV or other human pathogens
• Semen and vaginal secretions
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Peritoneal fluid
• All body fluids visibly contaminated with blood

Standard Precautions have been developed by the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) to prevent exposure of disease in occupational settings.  They provide guidance for the safe handling of infectious materials.  The Standard Precautions are:

1.  Hand Hygiene
2. Personal Protective Equipment
3. Respiratory Hygiene
4. Safe Injection Practice
5. Cleaning and Disinfecting
6. Safe Sharps Handling
7. Waste Management
8. Linen or Laundry Management
9. Spill Management
10. Pre and Post Prophylaxis
11. Immunization

More information on the Standard Precautions can be found on the CDC’s webpage.  https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/index.html