In the 1980s, the worldwide AIDS epidemic focused new attention on infection control procedures, particularly as they relate to bloodborne pathogens such as the virus that causes AIDS, HIV and the hepatitis B and C viruses. After intense study by both the CDC and OSHA, new recommendations and mandates were made that brought about many changes in healthcare practice to help prevent the spread of bloodborne infections.

This new 3-part series, Preventing Bloodborne Infections, provides learners with an understanding of the pathogenicity of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and strategies developed to prevent their spread through work practice controls and engineering controls.

After intense study by both the CDC and OSHA, new recommendations and mandates were made that brought about many changes in healthcare practice to help prevent the spread of bloodborne infections. Some of these involve changes to practices at work — such as to regularly wearing personal protective equipment — but others require basic changes to the engineering and design of medical equipment to make them safer to use.

This is the third of three programs on preventing bloodborne infections, and it will examine OSHA mandated changes in medical equipment — engineering controls — and the way tasks are performed — work practice controls.

After completing this course, the learner should be able to: