Blood and Bodily Fluids
The inherent risk associated with blood and bodily fluids is the possible exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP). These may be defined as microorganisms that are present in blood and bodily fluids and are capable of causing disease in exposed individuals. There are three main BBP that present the greatest concern: Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). For this reason the University of Ottawa has implemented the "Measures to Minimize Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and Post-exposure Prophylaxis Policy". This policy not only discusses the risk but also what should be done following a possible exposure. To minimize the risk of exposure all individuals should practice universal precaution (http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/universa.html) and where possible, utilize the appropriate elements of an infection control program.
Since visual inspection of the blood or bodily fluids will not inform you if the blood is infected, one must take appropriate measures when working with or cleaning up a spill. Two scenarios may apply to a spill; firstly if may be associated with a spill in a laboratory environment, or more commonly, a sample found in a public environment as a result of an injury. To minimize the risk to the individual cleaning up the spill, the University has implemented a procedure for reporting and cleaning up spills.
- Procedure for Reporting and Cleaning Up Blood and Bodily Fluids
- Bloodborne Pathogens PowerPoint Presentation