656 Bloodborne Pathogens in the Healthcare Setting

Protect Yourself from All Bodily Fluids

It's important to remember the hepatitis B virus can remain infectious outside of the body for up to 7 days. For this reason, it is essential that cleanup and decontamination of contaminated objects and surfaces be performed as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of indirect contact resulting in a bloodborne exposure incident.

Understanding how bloodborne pathogens are transmitted will help reduce your risk of exposure and infection. There are three categories of contact to bloodborne pathogens: casual, direct, and indirect.

1. Casual social contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing a telephone or tool, does not transmit bloodborne pathogens;
2. Direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluid can cause an exposure incident; and
3. Indirect contact with a contaminated object, such as a countertop, bedding, or clothing, can also cause an exposure incident.

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