Bloodborne Pathogens: Universal Precautions

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines Universal Precautions as an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and body fluids as if they contain bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease.

A Better Understanding of Universal Precautions

In 1987, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published “Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health-Care Settings,” which recommended that blood and body fluid precautions be used for all patients, regardless of their infection status. Prior to this, blood and body fluid precautions were only recommended when a patient was known or suspected to be infected with a bloodborne pathogen. Universal precautions include:

universal precautions bloodborne pathogens aftermath bleeding finger

Using disposable gloves and other protective barriers while examining all patients and while handling needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments.
Washing hands and other skin surfaces that are contaminated with blood or body fluids immediately after a procedure or examination.
Changing gloves between patients and never reusing gloves.

Universal precautions apply to the following body fluids:

Blood
Semen and vaginal secretions
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Synovial fluid
Pleural fluid
Pericardial fluid
Amniotic fluid

How are Bloodborne Pathogens Spread?

According to the American National Red Cross: “Bloodborne pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, are present in blood and body fluids and can cause disease in humans. The bloodborne pathogens of primary concern are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. These and other bloodborne pathogens are spread primarily through:

Direct contact. Infected blood or body fluid from one person enters another person’s body at a correct entry site, such as infected blood splashing in the eye.
Indirect contact. A person’s skin touches an object that contains the blood or body fluid of an infected person, such as picking up soiled dressings contaminated with an infected person’s blood or body fluid.
Respiratory droplet transmission. A person inhales droplets from an infected person, such as through a cough or sneeze.
Vector-borne transmission. A person’s skin is penetrated by an infectious source, such as an insect bite.

Follow standard precautions to help prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens and other diseases whenever there is a risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids. These precautions require that all blood and other body fluids be treated as if they are infectious. Standard precautions include maintaining personal hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, work practice controls, and proper equipment cleaning and spill cleanup procedures.”

Call the Professionals at Aftermath for Blood Cleanups

Although developed for healthcare professionals, universal precautions should be taken by anyone who may have contact with blood or body fluids. It is recommended to call a bioremediation company to clean up a blood spill that is larger than a standard dinner plate. After an accident, homicide, suicide, or other trauma, many families do not know where to turn for help in the cleanup.

Aftermath safely and thoroughly cleans up potential bloodborne pathogens that are left behind after a trauma, and like hospital workers, we employ universal precautions to ensure the safety of our technicians and those we serve. To learn more about Aftermath and our services, read through these frequently asked questions.

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Sources:

OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/univprec/univ.html
CDC: http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000255/p0000255.asp
CDC: http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000255/p0000255.asp
NIH: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19698.htm
The American National Red Cross: http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/BBP_American_Red_Cross_Fact_Sheet_xps(1).pdf

Testimonials

"Exemplary Communication, Care, Attention to detail. This team deployed quickly to a biohazard situation, provided excellent advice and counsel, performed their work with integrity, and were instrumental when helping us with the insurance claim. A+++"

Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022