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 clinical personnel at all times. An electronic copy of the completed plan must be sent to EHRS.

Clinics to which the bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan is not applicable must still complete the site specific information on the plan. The clinic must note on the plan that there is no anticipated exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The completed plan must be sent to EHRS to document the exposure control plan is not applicable. 

Additional Resources:

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