Bloodborne pathogens are contained in human blood and other bodily fluids and can potentially result in illnesses. The most common bloodborne disease in humans includes HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B and C, malaria, syphilis, and others. These pathogens spread through direct and indirect exposure to blood. Direct contact occurs when infected blood or body fluid enters the victim’s body through the right entry sites. Indirect contact transmission occurs when the skin gets into contact with an item soiled with infected blood or bodily fluids.
Healthcare workers, paramedics, firefighters, police officers, tattoo artists, cleaning/janitorial staff, etc., are at a higher risk of occupational exposure to the disease-causing microorganisms from patients. That’s why Bloodborne pathogen training courses are essential, as there are people who have a potential for exposure due to the nature of their work. These days, anyone can register for bloodborne pathogens training courses, which offer no minimum qualifications and training requirements.
Why is Bloodborne Pathogens Training Important?
BBP or Bloodborne Pathogen Training Courses offers an in-depth understanding of the different types of bloodborne pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and other infectious materials. They spread through human blood and body fluids in torn and loose skin, mucous membrane, vaginal secretions and semen, and body fluids containing visible blood.
The bloodborne pathogens course teaches you the different conditions for transmitting pathogens, especially in occupational exposure. For instance, there must be enough pathogens to cause disease for an infection to occur. The pathogens enter the human body through the specified entry sites, and the individual can be susceptible to the pathogens. The entry sites for these viruses and bacteria are the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, and eyes, open and cut nicks, dermatitis, acne, and skin abrasions.
The Bloodborne Pathogen Training courses also offer information on the nature of the pathogens and their effects on the human body. Hepatitis B, for instance, affects the liver, and it can become fatal. HIV reduces the body’s ability to fight illnesses. You can get certified through classroom training or online training, where you can instantly print your certificate of completion. The official certificate will be delivered to you in 2-5 business days.
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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bloodborne Pathogen?
Information on the signs and symptoms of bloodborne pathogens-related infections is critical. The online Bloodborne Pathogens Training program offers knowledge on how the different microorganisms affect the human body and how to educate the infected persons through these visible signs.
The common signs and symptoms of the hepatitis B virus include flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Some people are carriers of the virus and will not exhibit any symptoms. The hepatitis B virus multiplies in body fluids, saliva, and blood of infected persons. It is rather challenging to diagnose the infection without performing a blood test.
Only a small percentage of persons infected with the hepatitis C virus show symptoms. The common symptoms seen in persons infected with the virus include fatigue, weight loss, fever, and diarrhea (similar to those of hepatitis B virus). The hepatitis C virus, just as in hepatitis B affects the liver. 70% of those infected with the virus are likely to develop chronic liver disease.
HIV also results in flu-like symptoms. The virus affects the immune system reducing the body’s ability to fight illnesses. Persons infected with the virus can go for years without showing any signs. HIV eventually results in AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and death resulting from opportunistic illnesses.
Though it is hard to identify some of these symptoms by ruling out other types of diseases, the knowledge is helpful for an individual to protect themselves and seek medical advice whenever they suspect an infection.
Read- Study Guide for Blood Borne Pathogen.
What are the Modes of Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens?
Knowledge of the modes of transmission will allow you to protect yourself and your loved ones from infections. The course offers detailed information on how bacteria and viruses enter the human body. With such information, trained persons can make conscious decisions regarding their health and those close to them. Bloodborne pathogens vary in the amount of time they can stay alive outside the host to cause infections. During this period, microorganisms still have the potential to result in illnesses, and people have to avoid contact appropriately, as covered in the training materials.
How To Prevent Bloodborne Pathogens Infection?
There are different preventive measures addressed in bloodborne pathogens courses. It is essential to understand how to protect oneself from getting infected since most of these infections are not curable. Persons taking the bloodborne pathogen training learn how to avoid contact with blood and body fluids.
PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is one way of preventing infections, especially when getting into contact with human body fluids. All body fluids, including pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and other blood-containing fluids, are potentially contagious. The use of the appropriate types of PPE is also part of the course. Certain precautions apply, such as removing rings and jewelry before wearing gloves. First aiders should cover any sores and cuts before wearing gloves. All these precautions, among others, are under bloodborne pathogen training.
When offering CPR and rescue breathes, rescuers are at risk of getting exposed to pathogens. The training offers skills to perform safe CPR and rescue breathing to save lives (use of resuscitation masks).
This includes powdered and non-powdered gloves of different materials (vinyl, latex, and nitrile and how to remove gloves to avoid contact safely. It also covers filtering facepiece respirators, coveralls/gowns, and eye protection. Removal of soiled PPE and clothing are also part of the bloodborne pathogens training. The program also offers information on maintaining hygiene and cleaning infected surfaces and materials to prevent potential cross-infection.
The course offers skills on other preventive measures, specifically at workplaces, such as workplace safety controls. It includes the handling of sharp objects, as the handling sharp objects through procedures that prevent infection of material. Hepatitis B virus, for instance, has the potential to remain on surfaces for 7days. Throughout this period, the virus can enter the body of a non-vaccinated person and cause an infection.
The dos and don’ts of personal hygiene are well covered. These include the use of makeup in public areas and proper handwashing and sanitization.
You can take our FREE BBP Practice test to test your knowledge in Bloodborne Pathogens.
Steps to Take When Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens
Specified emergency procedures apply to individuals exposed to bloodborne pathogens. These disease-causing microorganisms enter the body when infected body fluids get into contact with the mucus membranes, eyes, and mouth. In other cases, the transmission is through human bites, cuts, and abrasions. The Bloodborne Pathogens Training course offers information on the steps to take following exposure to the pathogen. Areas covered include how to clean wounds, needlesticks, and other body parts splashed with blood, such as the eyes, mouth, and nose.
Read- Tips To Prevent Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Risk.
How to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens?
The bloodborne pathogen courses take into account the different techniques applicable to preventing exposure incidents to disease-causing microorganisms. In addition, the course addresses the appropriate disposal of contaminated items. It also addresses hygiene practices recommended in cleaning items and equipment soiled with blood and body fluids.
How Bloodborne Pathogen Training Helps Contain the Spread of Disease?
Once a person has an exposure incident and has been infected, they have to live with the virus and are at risk of infecting others. Bloodborne pathogen training helps contain the spread of diseases. By taking the recommended precautions, trained persons can protect themselves and loved ones from exposure to blood and infections.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to offer ongoing bloodborne pathogen training programs. BBP online certification courses are readily available for interested individuals and organizations. Specific procedures of job exposure apply in the workplace. Every organization is mandated to have in place an exposure control plan. The plan outlines the organizational practices and guidelines for ensuring employees’ safety from accidents. The corporate exposure control plan applies to all employees and should be accessible to all. It is also a requirement that all incidents of potential exposure at the workplace be reported and recorded in a unified manner. According to OSHA regulations, all employees at risk of exposure should have the hepatitis B vaccination.
Conclusion:
Bloodborne pathogen training (BBP training) is critical for everyone to prevent themselves from highly contagious and fatal diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis. The lifesaving course helps people understand the safer use of medical devices and ways to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Online bloodborne pathogen training is quite convenient for working persons as it is flexible. The online course is easy to follow and can be taken anywhere with a computer and internet connection.
Enroll Now for Online Bloodborne Pathogen Certification Classes at $19.95.
