Blood Borne Pathogens

Blood borne pathogens are microorganisms that are generally found in the blood and other body fluids that can cause diseases and illnesses in people. Such microorganisms can be transmitted though direct contact with the contaminated blood and other body fluids. However, the mere mention of blood borne pathogen can easily trigger a wave of fear since most people would automatically associate it with AIDS, although the more common reported cases blood borne pathogens are Hepatitis B. In fact according to the Center for Disease Control, about 300,000 Americans are infected with Hepatitis B every year, which brings us to the pressing concern about knowing more about blood borne pathogens.

There are a number of pathways that the contaminated blood can enter a person’s body such as the accidental punctures of a contaminate object such as needles, scalpels, razor blades and broken glasses. Another possible source would be the exposure and contact of an open wound or abrasion with the contaminated blood, through sexual contact, and indirect transmission like the contact of dried blood on the eyes, open cuts or even the nose. However, contrary to the assumption of many people, blood borne pathogens will not be transmitted by simply touching an infected person, sneezing and coughing or by sharing materials, toilets and showers. It is highly important for people to have blood borne pathogen training to know how these dangerous diseases can be transmitted and also to discount the common misconceptions as well. This is especially important for personnel who are working in potentially dangerous environments such as laboratories and hospitals.

With the staggering rise in the cases of blood borne pathogen infection contracted in workplaces, OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration promptly stepped in and provided a solution by releasing a standard guideline on blood borne pathogens. These were extensively distributed in offices and other work areas in the efforts to educate people. Among the employees who were identified to be in high risk of exposure are the health care workers, lab research personnel, blood bank workers, physicians, campus police officers, janitors and other waste handlers, fire and rescuer personnel and craftsmen. However, if you are not among the list does not necessarily mean you are not at risk.

Another viable solution presented is taking precautionary measures in the work area such as minimizing the use of sharp materials, immediately cleaning any spills and the decontamination of equipments and surfaces. Employees are also encouraged to be properly protected with a Hepatitis vaccine just to be on the safe side. Although you might think it may be unlikely to contract diseases in your offices, ignorance and negligence are among the most common causes of the continuing rise of contamination incidents through the years. And unless you want to be a part of the statistics and add to that number, its best to take safety measures than live with regret.

Today, many employers are actively participating in lessening the numbers by enrolling their employees to comprehensive programs to avoid blood borne pathogen contamination. At the same time, proper labeling of biohazards and biomedical wastes are also among the concerted efforts just to ensure that all employees are working in a safe and healthy environment, thereby eliminating fear of contamination and increasing performance and efficiency.


As an individual, it is generally your responsibility to educate yourself as well as your family member son the possible transmissions of blood borne pathogens and the important guidelines to be followed when in contact with an infected person. By equipping you and your family with the knowledge, you can look forward to enjoying a healthier and rewarding family life for years to come.