Blood-Borne Pathogens in Schools

Microorganisms found in blood and other body fluids that can cause disease in humans.

Direct contact with blood or potentially infectious bodily fluids, such as saliva, vomit, or urine.

A type of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

A type of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can also cause serious liver damage and is a leading cause of liver transplants.

A serious illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It weakens the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to infections.

A vaccine that can help protect against Hepatitis B infection.

A series of three shots given over a six-month period to provide long-lasting immunity against Hepatitis B.

A universal precaution that assumes all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious.

Practices designed to protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency responsible for workplace safety regulations.

A condition where the virus attacks the body's immune system, specifically the cells responsible for fighting infections.

A set of procedures designed to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens by treating all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious.

A written plan that outlines procedures for handling blood-borne pathogens in the workplace, identifying high-risk personnel, and analyzing potential hazards.

Physical or mechanical systems designed to eliminate hazards at their source and prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

Specific procedures used to minimize the risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials in the workplace.

Protective equipment used to minimize exposure to blood-borne pathogens, such as gloves, masks, aprons, and eye protection.

The process of cleaning and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces and equipment to reduce the transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

A procedure that involves washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing hands together vigorously to remove potentially infectious contamination.

A kit that contains supplies for handling injuries and reducing the threat of blood-borne pathogens, including gloves, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a pocket mask.

A legal case that determined the constitutionality of using deadly force to prevent a suspect from escaping arrest.

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This case explored whether the Tennessee statute violated this right.

The Court ruled that the Tennessee statute allowing deadly force against fleeing suspects was unconstitutional.

The Court decided that deadly force is justified only if an officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses an immediate and significant threat of death or serious injury.

A suspect's potential future harm doesn't justify using deadly force. There needs to be an immediate and present danger based on their actions.

The Court recognized the importance of both enforcing law and safeguarding individual rights.

The Court upheld the use of non-lethal force to apprehend suspects but held that deadly force is only justified in specific situations.

Cases where a suspect is armed and dangerous with intent to hurt others, causing significant harm, or actively pursuing someone with a weapon.

This case impacted police policy and procedures regarding the use of deadly force, requiring officers to consider the specific threat posed by a suspect.

The Court's decision in Tennessee v. Garner established a clear legal standard defining when the use of deadly force by law enforcement is justified.

A legal decision establishing that using deadly force during an arrest is allowed only as a last resort and under strict legal conditions.

Officers must assess the situation, considering factors like the suspect's behavior, weapon presence, and the safety of bystanders, before employing deadly force.

De-escalation techniques and alternatives to deadly force should be emphasized during police training to minimize the need for lethal action.

Training programs and policies should be implemented to ensure officers understand and apply the Garner ruling correctly.

The Garner ruling significantly impacted police departments, focusing on aligning their actions with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and safeguarding both officers and civilians.

Police departments across the country were urged to adopt stricter guidelines for using deadly force, reflecting the significant impact of the Garner ruling.

The Garner case redefined the legal framework concerning law enforcement conduct and established standards to govern the use of deadly force by officers.

The Garner case served as a critical precedent for promoting safer and more accountable law enforcement practices.

The Garner decision emphasized that deadly force should only be a last resort, and its use must be justified by the circumstances.

The Garner decision established that police must use the least amount of force necessary, and their actions should be proportionate to the threat posed by the suspect.

Puncture-resistant containers are designed to safely dispose of needles and other sharps, preventing accidental punctures.

Never recap needles, bend, or break them. These actions increase the risk of accidental needle sticks.

Puncture-resistant containers should be readily available and clearly labeled to ensure proper disposal of sharps.

Detailed records should be kept of all exposure incidents involving blood-borne pathogens.

If required by local regulations, notify appropriate health authorities about exposure incidents to blood-borne pathogens.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking antiviral medications after exposure to a blood-borne pathogen to prevent infection.

PEP is most effective when administered promptly after exposure to a blood-borne pathogen.

PEP regimens vary depending on the specific blood-borne pathogen and involve consultations with physicians.

If an exposure incident occurs, seeking prompt medical advice is crucial for appropriate scheduling and starting of the PEP protocol.

PEP protocols are carefully designed to protect individuals who have been exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

A serious liver infection spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Vaccination is available.

Also affecting the liver, it's mainly spread through infected blood. While treatment exists, chronic infection can lead to health problems.

Proper handling and disposal are key to prevent accidents. Never recap needles, and use designated containers for sharps.

Detailed procedures and protocols for handling exposure incidents, including what to do if someone comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids.

Training and education for all staff and students on bloodborne pathogens, covering prevention, safety practices, and what to do in case of an exposure.

A program to monitor and evaluate exposures, including tracking incidents and analyzing risk factors to improve safety practices.