Bloodeborne Pathogen Training In Bakersfield Ca

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious micro-organisms that can cause disease and may be found in blood or other body fluids. Bakersfield-area healthcare workers can learn how to safeguard themselves and others against bloodborne pathogens as part of the American Heart Association's Bloodborne Pathogens course. Such training modules can address appropriate policies and procedures for safe dealing with bloodborne pathogens and other bio-hazardous materials.

Dangers of Bloodborne Pathogens

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can cause a person to become infected with serious diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Medical professionals are at particular risk to exposure to bloodborne pathogens due to the nature of their work.

Risks to Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers and Bakersfield nursing students on clinical rotation may be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious bio-hazard materials, such as human tissue and body fluids, on a daily basis. Blood should always be considered potentially infectious and handled accordingly. Bloodborne pathogens can be passed along via a prick or cut to a person’s skin or exposure to a mucous membrane. Such exposure can be the result of an accidental jab from a needle or cut from contaminated medical waste.

Prevention of Exposure

The health threats presented by bloodborne pathogens are very real. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that all workplaces develop a bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan. Such plans call for details on instituted employee protection measures and what to do if exposure occurs. For healthcare workers who may regularly come into contact with bloodborne pathogens, it is important to learn how to properly handle and dispose of medical waste. It is also important for employees to be aware of what personal protective equipment might be recommended to help safeguard against bloodborne pathogens.