A bloodborne pathogen is a disease that can be transmitted through the transfer of blood or other bodily fluids from one person to another. For a medic to be able to work in a healthcare facility, he or she must have undergone training and acquired the necessary certifications. One of these credentials is a bloodborne pathogen certification. A person is required to take a course on each of the bloodborne pathogens they will come in contact with during their employment. This includes Hepatitis B, HIV, and other bloodborne pathogens. After taking the required courses, the individual will then be certified in bloodborne pathogen certification.
There are some general rules that you should be aware of when taking a bloodborne pathogens certification class. They are:
- Know the Universal Precautions
Universal Precautions must always be followed to avoid contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials e.g.
*Limit access to contaminated items
*Report all bloodborne pathogen incidents
*Be prepared for an emergency
*When taking the Bloodborne pathogens certification test be sure to wash your hands before and after using the bathroom as this is where most contamination occurs from an open wound.
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- Know when to wear Gowns and Aprons
Gowns, aprons, must be worn when there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. For one, it helps to protect you from becoming infected yourself. It also helps to prevent the spread of infection to other people. This is a requirement for anyone who wants to be certified in bloodborne pathogen safety.
- Gloves
When undertaking a bloodborne pathogens certification you should know that, gloves must be worn when coming into contact with any potential bloodborne pathogen because this minimizes the risk of transmission, and also it is how to stay safe while avoiding contracting HIV or Hepatitis C. All cuts, open wounds, and scratches must be covered with gloves, a bandage, or PPE. You should also know that mouthpieces, eye protection, and face shields should be used when there is a risk of blood or other body fluids coming into contact with the mucous membranes or eyes.
- Know how to Handle Sharps
“When undertaking a bloodborne pathogen certification it’s a rule that sharps must be disposed of properly in a designated sharps container. This means that they should never be placed in the regular trash. Doing so can pose a serious health risk to sanitation workers and members of the public who might come into contact with the contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Examples of sharps are; used hypodermic needles, intravenous (IV) tubing with needles attached, scalpel blades, Pasteur pipettes, and syringes with needles attached.
- Know when to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As with any certification, when undertaking a bloodborne pathogen certification it is a rule that you must use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when cleaning up any spills. This is to protect yourself from any potential health risks. It’s important to remember that any spills should always be treated as if they are contaminated with blood and/or other bodily fluids.
If you can ensure that you are aware and follow these five rules, then you can help reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in your workplace. You should receive annual bloodborne pathogens certification to keep you up-to-date on the latest safety procedures.