Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: Prevention and Management

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens via needlesticks and blood and bodily fluid exposures continues to be a significant problem among nurses and other health care workers. The pathogens of serious concern are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Though the risk of transmission is low, the fear and anxiety after an occupational exposure can be devastating.