What Does Bloodborne Pathogens Training Consist of?

OSHA requires employers of healthcare personnel to offer bloodborne pathogens training.  This is a course that is short but educational.  You will learn how to handle blood and items contaminated with blood safely.  It will teach the protective gear that should be used when handling blood and it will even teach you what you should do in case of accidental contamination.  Bloodborne pathogens will let you know the different types of diseases that can be spread through contact with blood.  Three of the main diseases that can be spread through the blood are HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B.  these three diseases are devastating and can be fatal.  There is no cure for any of these three diseases.

Sometimes people can have a disease like Hepatitis C for many years before there are any symptoms.  Nowadays people are tested quite regularly for these diseases since they are so prevalent.  It is an unfortunate thing but there are many thousands of people who have one of these diseases.  OSHA believes that if people are well educatied in handling blood and blood products there is less of a risk of exposure.  This is probably true.   These are not diseases you want to mess with.

If you regularly work around blood or blood products you will want to take this training course.  It does not take long to take and you will get a certificate after completion of the training.  People who do tattoos, work in law or for the fire department and all healthcare professionals should take this course.  You will learn what to do in case of accidental exposure.  You will also learn how to avoid exposure.

Needlesticks are common among healthcare workers.  What do you do if you suffer a needle stick?  You should wash the site with soap and water if available to you.  If you  cannot wash it right away you should rub the area down with an alcohol based product.  Cleansing the site may be able to prevent contamination.  After cleansing the site you should have blood tests taken to rule out bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis C or HIV.  Make sure you practice safe sex and don't donate blood until you have a clean bill of health.

The best way to prevent needlesticks is to be careful with needles.  Never try to break or bend a needle and don't put the cap back on.  You would be surprised how often a needlestick occurs because the healthcare worker tries to recap the needle.  Always place the used needle in a safe container that is designed for contaminated needles.  It should be puncture proof.  If you are careful with contaminated needles and other instruments you can reduce the possibility of contamination.  The best way to fight against these diseases is with safe measures regardless of what you do for a living.

All people should consider taking bloodborne pathogens training since there is no guarantee when you may have to help someone who is bleeding.  Make sure you wear latex gloves if you are going to help someone bandage a wound.  With safety you can remain safe.

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