Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. The pathogens include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis Viruses and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Universal precautions must be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials.  Treat all bodily fluids / materials as infectious, including any and all instrumentation and materials which may have come in contact with body fluids such as paper, gauze, bandages, sponges, gloves, etc.  Universal Precautions shall be observed at all times. 

An Exposure Control Plan provides documentation of the procedures which have been devised to reduce employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.1030 - Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.

Drexel University's Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

The Exposure Control Plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.

The Exposure Control Plan must be accessible to laboratory personnel at all times. An electronic copy of the completed plan must be sent to EH&S. Laboratories to which the bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan is not applicable must print the cover page of the plan and write “Not Applicable”. This must be posted on the laboratory entrance door at all times.

Additional Resources:

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
• CDC Bloodborne Pathogen Diseases