3 Main Reasons to Get Bloodborne Pathogens Training

If you belong to the healthcare industry, a major occupational hazard that you face is constant exposure to contaminated blood and body fluids. These may be in the form of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, mucous and even an oozing open wound. Contamination may occur in the form of Hepatitis B and C, HIV and even fungal infections that pass on easily by simple contact. That's why for those professionals who work in pathological laboratories, blood banks, hospitals, autopsy centers, morgues and hospitals need to compulsorily undergo bloodborne pathogens training.

• Bloodborne pathogens trainings have been made compulsory by law and the Department of Health ensures that periodic training is imparted to such professionals either by way of actual classes or online courses. Either way, these courses are aimed at increasing the working knowledge of individuals handling infected body fluids or to help them define bloodborne pathogens and the potential hazards associated with them. Once they gain this knowledge, they know how to handle and isolate the infected source so that appropriate action can be taken. There are certain universal precautions that need to be taken while handling bloodborne pathogens and this can only be learnt through proper training.

• Another important objective of bloodborne pathogens training is to teach the recipient how to use labels and signs to indicate contaminated fluids and to segregate them from regular samples in large pathological laboratories which handle hundreds of specimens every day. The ability to comprehend the process of how pathogens are transmitted is taught in any bloodborne pathogens training program. The trainee is taught to differentiate between engineering and work practice controls which deal with procedures to take suitable steps in case of sudden exposure and to arrest contamination. While control systems work to reduce risks of infection when there is exposure, work practice controls deal with hazard removal from the contaminated site. Engineering control systems reduce contamination exposure and risk by supervising the process in which the job is done.

• One of the greatest advantages of bloodborne pathogens raining is that there is no age limit for it and it can be undertaken by an individual at any age. You may either opt for regular classes or online training, depending on your convenience and availability of time. While most working professionals in the healthcare industry are made to attend classes periodically to train them on the latest developments on bloodborne pathogens, those who are engaged in other professions and wish to take up this specialized course may certainly go for online training in order to gain knowledge from the comfort of their homes. Both have their respective advantages. While attending regular classes, you will get the opportunity to interact with some thoroughbred and experienced tutors who will give you both theoretical and hands on training to tackle infected fluids. Online courses, on the other hand, will also introduce you to the basics of bloodborne pathogens on a 24 X 7 basis where you chat with your tutors and clarify your doubts. Both courses will give you certificates which are recognized by employers and hence, will enhance your employment potential in the long run.