See the Perinatal Transmission page for complete guidelines on postexposure prophylaxis for newborns. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Infants born to HBV-infected mothers should receive hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of birth pdf icon. What are bloodborne pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans.

Postexposure Prophylaxis section provides recommendations for management of persons who are exposed to HBV through a distinct, identifiable exposure to blood or body fluids that contain blood, in occupational and nonoccupational settings. The most important organisms that can be acquired after a needlestick injury include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Infection In reality, almost any microorganism can be transmitted following a needlestick injury, but practically only a handful of organisms are of clinical concern. Hotline providing clinicians with 24-hour guidance on managing occupational exposures to HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne pathogensĬDC Guidance for Evaluating Health-Care Personnel for Hepatitis B Virus Protection and for Administering Postexposure Management National Clinicians Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline) external icon Occupational Exposure and Non-occupational Exposure This page provides links to PEP guidelines and resources by type of exposure. The mainstay of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is hepatitis B vaccine, but, in certain circumstances, hepatitis B immune globulin is recommended in addition to vaccine for added protection. About 10 percent of adults who are infected with Hepatitis B develop chronic Hepatitis B and are then always capable of transmitting the virus to others. In most individuals, these symptoms will spontaneously subside in 4 to 8 weeks. About 30 to 50 of individuals who do contract hepatitis B may develop jaundice, fever, nausea, and vague abdominal pain. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposure and include the use of safer medical devices, such as needleless devices, shielded needle devices, and plastic capillary tubes.After exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), appropriate and timely prophylaxis can prevent HBV infection and subsequent development of chronic infection or liver disease. Of the viruses, the most common organism acquired via a needlestick injury is hepatitis B. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission following a needlestick is an important threat to health care workers. The plan must also describe how an employer will use engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, employee training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other provisions as required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (. In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee protection measures. Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family memberlike health care, disability, education, and more.

What can be done to control exposure to bloodborne pathogens? A review of issues related to hepatitis C virus transmission, from the VA National Hepatitis C website. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans.

Hepatitis a transmission needlestick