Individuals working in the health care industry constantly come in contact with sick and unhealthy people. This puts them in the risk zone. They regularly deal with potentially infectious blood and body fluids of patients. Microorganisms that transmit virus and bacteria from sick patients to healthy ones are called bloodborne pathogens. As doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, paramedical staff, and janitors attend to these sick patients, it is highly probable that they contract these viruses. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that they be trained in understanding how to protect themselves by handling body fluids in the correct manner and to be able to control the situation should and emergency arise.

The training course includes the following:

* Understanding how infectious the diseaseis

* Knowing how to prevent its transmission

* Knowing what to do in case of accidents

* Knowing how to keep yourself and your colleagues safe from the exposure.

There are 5 actions that should be taken to prevent the spread of the bloodborne pathogens. They are discussed below.

– Exposure Control: There are various jobs and professions that are at a risk of acquiring infection by blood borne pathogens. These jobs are documented in a list known as Administrative document or administrative records. The records give an outline of the procedures to be performed by the organization and the employees to prevent accidental exposure at the work place. This plan of control is the Exposure Control Plan. Every healthcare organization must have a ready exposure control plan.

– Universal Precautions: You must always assume that every patient is infected. Keeping this assumption in mind certain measure are to be taken while treating a patient. So it becomes compulsory for all health care workers to wear protective clothing like gowns, masks, gloves and caps. This is most advisable measure to curb the spread of virus like HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

– Technical Controls: Syringes, needles and other equipment used in the removal of blood and body fluids from the body and are engineering or technical devices. Certain measures are to be taken by staff when removing blood from a patient and while discarding those used instruments. It should be done with utmost care and safety.

– Work habit controls: Health care workers need to be trained to deal with any accidental exposure that may take place at the hospital or other healthcare facility. The immediate step should be aimed at getting rid of the hazard and making sure that the exposed individual washes up as prescribed.

– Personal Equipment Controls: Special protective clothing is worn by hospital staff for safety. Care should be taken to ensure that these equipments are handled properly while being removed so as to not infect anyone. Fresh gear should be used for different patients. Disposal of the clothing after use should be done in the prescribed manner.

It is mandatory for all health care workers and those that regularly deal with body fluids to undertake bloodborne pathogen training. It will prepare you to strictly follow the guidelines in order to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Moreover, you will learn to avoid accidents and be careful while attending patients.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website http://www.bloodborne-pathogens.com

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Bloodborne Pathogens,body fluids,AIDS,Hepatitis B,Hepatitis C