Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), by definition, are any disease-causing organisms that pass from one entity to another through blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). These include:

• blood

• blood serum

• vaginal secretions

• semen

• cerebrospinal fluid

• pleural, peritoneal, and other joint capsule or organ fluids

• amniotic fluid

Bloodborne pathogen transmission isn’t well documented from samples of all bodily fluids. Pure saliva, urine, feces, and sweat are considered “low-risk” fluids from a BBP standpoint, though clinicians should always wear appropriate PPE in case of the fluids mixing with blood or carrying other infectious diseases. Contact with semen or vaginal secretions is considered a high BBP risk during intercourse or when exposed to other mucous membranes.

Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease in humans. These can be as simple as the common cold or as dangerous and virulent as the Ebola virus. Because pathogens have many modes of transmission, identifying how they spread is a key component in curing and preventing transmission.

Blood borne pathogens are diseases that spread through contact with and live in the blood. Some examples of blood borne pathogens include but are not limited to:

• Hepatitis

• HIV

• Ebola and other hemorrhagic fevers

The videos below will explain all this further, as well as how to avoid exposure and what to do if an accident occurs.