“Bloodborne Pathogen Standard” was developed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in an effort to protect the safety of health care workers and others who may come in contact with human blood or blood associated materials (also known as Other Potentially Infectious Materials or OPIMs). This standard serves as the basis for implementing workplace policies and practices which can effectively reduce the risk of exposure to BBP’s, specifically to Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and other pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that are associated with human blood and body fluids and, upon exposure, can cause disease and in some cases death.
While most frequently associated with human blood, bloodborne pathogens may also be found in potentially blood-contaning matter such as:
OPIMs include any unfixed tissue or organ, other than intact skin, living or dead, cell or tissue cultures that may contain blood, and organ cultures or other solutions. It is important to note that while urine, feces, vomit, tears, sweat, sputum (i.e. mucus and phlegm), and nasal secretions are not expected to contain BBP’s unless visibly contaminated with blood, good personal hygiene and normal precautions are highly recommended when handling these materials.