Bloodborne pathogens. What you need to know--Part I.

Since the emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s, progressive regulatory strategies have been aimed at decreasing the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposures in health care workers. It is important to understand the evolution of these bloodborne pathogen strategies that have been vital to maintaining the health and safety of workers in potentially high risk environments. Occupational health clinicians need to communicate to employees how each of these strategies has helped decrease the day to day risks health care workers potentially face. Standard precautions remain one of the best ways health care workers can protect themselves against exposures. It has been more than 15 years since standard precautions were first introduced. Some health care workers have become lax in using these very simple techniques. Occupational health clinicians need to remind employees of the importance of taking care of themselves by using proper protective equipment. Recent federal and state needle safe legislation has heightened employee and employer awareness about the importance of new, safer medical devices. These devices [table: see text] must be used properly to truly decrease the potential risks to health care workers. Occupational health care clinicians can be pivotal in the forefront of needle safety initiatives in their institution. Occupational health nurses in health care settings should be active members of needle safe and bloodborne pathogen committees and participate in product evaluation. Clinicians should advocate for employees to be properly trained to use new devices and reinforce the importance of using safety devices properly to employees. The risks of transmission for HIV, HBV, and HCV are indisputable in environments where workers are potentially exposed to blood or body fluids. Knowledge about how exposure occurs, the risks of transmission in health care workers, and preventive strategies available can assist the employee to work safely without unnecessary fear or anxiety. Part II of this article (February 2003) is a more indepth discussion about each of the three bloodborne pathogens of greatest concern to health care workers. The general prevalence, risk groups, prophylaxis, and treatment of HBV, HCV, and HIV are elaborated. Common blood tests for each of these pathogens are also explained.