• Bloodborne pathogen
• 
  Bacteria or virus in the human blood and body fluids that can cause disease

• Disinfection
• 
  
• The process of cleaning something to remove all germs, with exception of spores

Exposure

Coming in contact with or not having protection from something 

Hand hygiene

Washing hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based rubs to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria

Infection control breach

When there is a break in following established infection control procedures that prevent the spread of germs

Mucous membranes

The moist, inner tissue of the eyes, nose, or mouth

Non-critical items

Medical equipment that comes in contact with intact skin

Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)

Human body fluids that can spread infection from one person to another through direct or indirect contact

Source person

The person involved in the exposure to the healthcare worker

Standard precautions

Guidelines developed for healthcare workers to help prevent and reduce the spread of bacteria

Sterilization

The process of making something free of germs and spores

What is a bloodborne pathogen?

Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria and viruses that can be found in human blood. They may also be in other fluids in the body.

Those other fluids are called other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).