Bloodborne Pathogens and 3 Ways How They Can Get Transmitted

Bloodborne pathogens refer to the viruses and bacteria that may be present in the blood and can cause various types of diseases including some serious ones. Such diseases can spread to another person through the blood or even certain body fluids including saliva.

Infections through Bloodborne pathogens are an occupational hazard with healthcare personnel being the most vulnerable due to their proximity with such people and conditions. Physicians, nurses and the cleaning and house-keeping staff can easily come in contact with infected blood or fluids while dealing with the patient or handling certain instruments. Lab workers who work on the blood may also be exposed to such risks. Furthermore those working at blood banks or almost any people who work with infected blood are vulnerable to diseases caused by such pathogens. Besides the passing of such pathogens from the patient to the healthcare worker the virus may spread to another patient or may pass from a worker to the patient too.

Following are the 3 common ways in which Bloodborne pathogens can pass through individuals.

- Needlestick Injury: One of the most common and widespread cause of the spread of bloodborne pathogens are Needlestick injuries. The virus can be transmitted when a needle or any sharp object like a scalpel that has traces of the infected blood or fluid nicks, cuts or pricks your skin. In most cases you will experience very little or no bleeding but it is sufficient for the pathogens to pass into your body. Such injuries can take place when handling needles, syringes, instruments or while administrating intravenous drugs. These accidents can happen while giving day-to-day medication or during surgeries and anesthesia procedures too. Nurses, doctors and even the cleaning staff who may dispose of such needles, razor blades, broken glass or soiled bandages and gauze are vulnerable to these pathogens.

- Broken Skin: Unbroken skin is the best and most effective barrier to keep bloodborne pathogens at bay. However while performing routine activities of the day you often get minor cuts and scrapes and though you may not give it much attention, it can prove dangerous in a healthcare environment if infected blood comes in contact with such broken skin. Any opening in your skin including minor injuries, rashes, blisters, burns, acne and even sunburns can be a potential entry point for such pathogens to affect the body.

- Mucus Membrane: The delicate mucus membranes of your mouth, eyes and nose can be yet another passage for bloodborne pathogens to enter. A splash of infected blood or fluid on such parts can easily transmit the virus. It can also enter your system if you happen to come in contact with the blood or instrument and then touch your mouth, nose or rub your eyes soon after.

You must also note that touching an affected person, coughing, sneezing or using the same toilet or water fountain does not spread such pathogens. Educating yourself will help you in differentiating hazardous conditions from non-hazardous ones and also helps in preventing any unnecessary panic and misconceptions about bloodborne pathogens.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.