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656 Bloodborne Pathogens in the Healthcare Setting
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How Bloodborne Pathogens are Transmitted

There are two basic categories of transmission of bloodborne pathogens:

  1. Non-occupational bloodborne pathogens are most commonly transmitted through:
    • sexual contact; or
    • sharing hypodermic needles.
  1. Occupational bloodborne pathogens are most commonly transmitted through:
    • puncture wounds from a sharp or contaminated object, such as broken glass; or
    • from a splash of blood to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-3. Which of the following is a way non-occupational bloodborne pathogens are transmitted?