Blood Borne Pathogen Course

Lesson 1 • How Pathogens Are Transmitted

Explains the biological mechanisms by which bloodborne pathogens enter the body. Connects transmission science to practical prevention strategies covered later.

Lesson 2 • Defining Bloodborne Pathogens

Introduces the category of microorganisms transmitted through blood and body fluids. Provides the conceptual anchor for all subsequent exposure-control content.

Lesson 3 • At-Risk Occupations and Settings

Identifies job roles and environments with elevated bloodborne pathogen exposure risk. Helps learners contextualize hazards within their own workplace.

Lesson 1 • Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Covers HIV structure, replication, immune system impact, and progression to AIDS. Grounds risk perception in accurate clinical knowledge rather than misconception.

Lesson 2 • Comparing the Three Pathogens

Provides a side-by-side analysis of HIV, HBV, and HCV across key risk dimensions. Enables informed, proportionate responses to different exposure scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Hepatitis C Virus

Describes HCV biology, silent progression, and long-term liver consequences. Emphasizes the lack of a vaccine and the importance of exposure prevention.

Lesson 1 • Employee Training Requirements

Specifies what training must be provided, when, and how it must be documented. Ensures learners understand their role in maintaining a compliant training program.

Lesson 2 • Recordkeeping and Plan Accessibility

Covers medical, training, and sharps injury records that employers must maintain. Explains employee rights to access their own exposure and medical records.

Lesson 3 • Engineering and Work Practice Controls

Details the primary control hierarchy: eliminating or isolating hazards before relying on behavior. Establishes the foundation for PPE and safe-work-practice chapters.

Lesson 4 • Purpose and Legal Basis of the Plan

Explains why a written exposure control plan is mandated and what it must accomplish. Connects regulatory intent to practical workplace protection.

Lesson 1 • Safe Handling of Specimens and Waste

Establishes procedures for collecting, labeling, transporting, and disposing of biological specimens. Prevents secondary exposure during specimen handling and waste management.

Lesson 2 • Universal Precautions Principle

Defines universal precautions and explains why all blood and body fluids are treated as infectious. Establishes the behavioral mindset underlying every safe work practice.

Lesson 3 • Hand Hygiene Techniques

Teaches correct handwashing and hand sanitizer use as the most fundamental exposure-control behavior. Directly reduces pathogen transfer in all occupational settings.

Lesson 4 • Safe Handling of Sharps

Covers procedures for using, passing, and disposing of needles and other sharps safely. Sharps injuries are the leading cause of occupational bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Lesson 1 • Eye and Face Protection

Specifies when goggles, face shields, and masks are required for splash protection. Protects mucous membranes, a primary bloodborne pathogen entry route.

Lesson 2 • Gowns, Aprons, and Protective Clothing

Addresses selection and use of protective garments based on splash and contact risk. Ensures body and clothing protection during high-exposure procedures.

Lesson 3 • Donning and Doffing Sequences

Teaches the correct order for putting on and removing PPE to prevent self-contamination. Improper removal is a common cause of exposure during PPE use.

Lesson 4 • Gloves: Selection and Use

Covers glove material selection, proper fit, and situations requiring double-gloving. Gloves are the most frequently used PPE in bloodborne pathogen protection.

Lesson 1 • Post-Vaccination Serology Testing

Explains antibody titer testing to confirm immune response after vaccination. Identifies non-responders who require additional clinical management.

Lesson 2 • Vaccine Declination Process

Covers the informed declination procedure and the right to receive the vaccine later. Protects both employee autonomy and employer compliance documentation.

Lesson 3 • Vaccine Eligibility and Employer Obligations

Defines which workers must be offered the HBV vaccine at no cost and when. Establishes the employer's legal and ethical duty to provide vaccination.

Lesson 1 • Medical Follow-Up and Counseling

Outlines the follow-up testing schedule and psychological support available after exposure. Addresses both clinical monitoring and the emotional impact of an exposure event.

Lesson 2 • Exposure Incident Reporting

Explains how to document and report an exposure incident accurately and promptly. Timely reporting triggers medical evaluation and legal protections for the worker.

Lesson 3 • Immediate First Aid After Exposure

Describes the first-aid steps to take within seconds of a needlestick, splash, or skin exposure. Prompt action reduces pathogen load and initiates the response chain.

Lesson 4 • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Details PEP regimens for HIV and HBV, including timing windows and adherence requirements. Learners understand when PEP is indicated and how to support worker compliance.

Lesson 1 • Sharps Container Requirements

Specifies the design, placement, and fill-level standards for sharps disposal containers. Proper sharps containment prevents the most common regulated waste injuries.

Lesson 2 • Laundry Handling for Contaminated Items

Addresses safe handling, bagging, and laundering of blood-contaminated clothing and linens. Protects laundry workers who may not be aware of contamination.

Lesson 3 • Classifying Regulated Medical Waste

Defines the categories of waste that require special handling under bloodborne pathogen standards. Correct classification is the first step in a compliant disposal process.

Lesson 4 • Biohazard Labeling and Color Coding

Covers the required biohazard symbol, label placement, and color-coding system for waste containers and equipment. Consistent labeling prevents accidental contact with infectious material.