Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that can cause disease in humans. The three primary bloodborne pathogens of concern in healthcare are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates employer protections including exposure control plans, engineering controls, PPE provision, HBV vaccination, and post-exposure evaluation. Blood is the primary exposure source, but OPIM includes semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood. Universal precautions treat ALL blood and OPIM as potentially infectious regardless of the source patient's known infection status. Hepatitis B vaccination provides >95% protection and is required for all healthcare workers with occupational exposure risk.