Exposure Control &
Bloodborne Pathogens
Protecting our team, our patients, and our community through standard precautions, safe work practices, and immediate response.
POLICY OVERVIEW
Purpose
The Neighborhood Clinic is committed to maintaining a safe workplace by minimizing employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.
This policy establishes the safety expectations, prevention measures, and reporting responsibilities used to protect employees, patients, and visitors.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood or certain body fluids that can cause disease.
Hepatitis B
- Can cause serious liver infection
- A vaccine is available
- May survive on surfaces for several days
Hepatitis C
- Can cause chronic liver disease
- No vaccine is currently available
- Often spreads through blood exposure
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Affects the immune system
- May spread through infected blood
- Requires immediate post-exposure evaluation
OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS
What Should Be Treated as Infectious?
Human blood, serum, and plasma
Body fluids visibly contaminated with blood
Semen and vaginal secretions
Cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, or amniotic fluid
Unidentified body fluids when the source is uncertain
Contaminated sharps, specimens, equipment, or surfaces
EVERY PATIENT. EVERY TIME.
Standard Precautions
Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.
Employees must never rely on appearance, diagnosis, or patient history when determining whether protective measures are necessary.
Hand Hygiene
Clean hands before and after patient contact and after removing gloves.
Appropriate PPE
Select gloves, gowns, masks, or eye protection based on anticipated exposure.
Sharps Safety
Use safety devices and dispose of sharps immediately after use.
Safe Specimen Handling
Use properly labeled, closed, and leak-resistant specimen containers.
Environmental Cleaning
Disinfect contaminated surfaces promptly using approved products.
Proper Waste Disposal
Place contaminated waste in the appropriate biohazard container.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Who May Be at Risk?
Clinical Staff
Physicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and other employees providing direct patient care.
Specimen Handlers
Employees responsible for collecting, labeling, transporting, or processing laboratory specimens.
Front Office Staff
Exposure is less common but may occur during emergencies, injuries, or accidental contact with contaminated materials.
Cleaning Personnel
Employees or contracted staff cleaning treatment areas, spills, equipment, or regulated waste.
HOW EXPOSURE OCCURS
Routes of Exposure
Possible Exposure
- Needlesticks or sharps injuries
- Blood contact with broken skin
- Splashes to the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Contact with cuts, abrasions, or dermatitis
- Human bites that break the skin
Not Considered Exposure
- Hugging or shaking hands
- Sharing food or common spaces
- Coughing or sneezing
- Touching intact skin
- Routine casual contact
PREVENTION EXPECTATIONS
How Employees Prevent Exposure
Perform hand hygiene consistently.
Wear PPE appropriate to the task.
Use safety-engineered needles and sharps devices.
Dispose of sharps immediately after use.
Never bend, break, or remove contaminated needles by hand.
Clean contaminated surfaces promptly.
Transport specimens in secure, labeled containers.
Report every exposure incident immediately.
CONTROLLING THE HAZARD
Engineering & Work Practice Controls
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Equipment Designed to Reduce Risk
- Safety needles and retractable devices
- Puncture-resistant sharps containers
- Biohazard waste containers
- Leak-resistant specimen containers
- Splash barriers when applicable
WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS
Safe Behaviors Required Every Day
- Change gloves between patients
- Remove contaminated PPE safely
- Never eat or drink in clinical areas
- Never store food with medications or specimens
- Avoid touching your face while wearing gloves
KEY REMINDER
Every Patient. Every Procedure. Every Time.
Consistent use of Standard Precautions is the most effective way to prevent occupational exposure and protect everyone inside The Neighborhood Clinic.
CONTINUE TRAINING