Bloodborne Pathogens

Overview

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are infectious microorganisms found in human blood and certain other body fluids that can cause serious diseases—including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These pathogens can be transmitted through needlestick injuries, mucous membrane contact, or broken skin exposed to infected blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

At the University of Kentucky, protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff is a top priority. Anyone whose work may involve contact with human blood or OPIM—such as in labs, clinics, or custodial settings—must be trained and protected under a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP).

This page provides essential information on:

How to prevent an exposure
Who needs BBP training
How to access training and vaccination
What to do in case of an exposure
Where to find help and support

By understanding the risks and following proper safety procedures, we can prevent serious infections and maintain a safe campus for everyone.

How to Prevent Exposure

Preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens starts with awareness, preparation, and consistent use of safety practices. If your work or study involves potential contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), follow these essential guidelines to stay safe.

Treat all human blood and OPIM as if they are infectious—regardless of the source.

These are devices or equipment designed to reduce risk at the source. Examples include:

Sharps disposal containers
Self-sheathing needles
Handwashing stations

Always wear appropriate PPE based on the task:

Gloves
Gowns/lab coats
Face shields or goggles
Masks or respirators (when needed)

Never reuse disposable PPE, and remove it properly to avoid contamination.

Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves or if contact occurs.
Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics, or handle contact lenses in work areas where exposure is possible.
Keep workspaces clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth while working.

Never recap, bend, or break needles by hand.
Dispose of sharps immediately in approved, labeled containers.
Do not overfill sharps containers; replace when 3/4 full.

Never share needles or other equipment that could be contaminated.

Who Needs BBP Training

Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training is required for anyone at the University of Kentucky who may reasonably anticipate exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as part of their daily job responsibilities.

You need BBP training if you:

Work in research labs handling human blood, tissues, or fluids
Handle sharps or biohazardous waste (e.g., needles, glass pipettes)
Perform first aid, emergency response, or cleaning of biohazard spills
Are responsible for cleaning, laundry, or waste removal in potentially contaminated areas
Work in athletics or training rooms where contact with bodily fluids may occur
Serve as a campus police officer or first responder
Dispose of sharps immediately in approved, labeled containers.

Access Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Training and Hepatitis B Vaccination

All University of Kentucky employees and students with potential exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must complete annual Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training.

To access online BBP training:

Log in to myUK
Navigate to the Employee Self-Service tab
Select Training and choose the appropriate Bloodborne Pathogen Training module
(Modules are available for both research and non-research personnel)

Training must be completed before beginning any applicable work and renewed annually

Employers are required to offer the Hepatitis B vaccine series at no cost to all employees enrolled in the Bloodborne Pathogen Program.

Vaccination is strongly encouraged as an added layer of protection against BBP exposure.
The location of vaccination may vary depending on your department or campus location.

For more information or to arrange vaccination, please contact Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) at: OHS@uky.edu

What to Do in Case of a BBP Exposure

If you are exposed to human blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), immediate action is critical to reduce the risk of infection. Even minor exposures can carry serious health risks. Always take exposure incidents seriously and act quickly to ensure proper medical care and documentation. Follow these steps:

For skin exposure (e.g., needlestick or cut):
Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
For eye or mucous membrane exposure:
Flush the affected area with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes.
Do not squeeze the wound or scrub the area aggressively.

Notify your immediate supervisor or lab manager as soon as possible.
Supervisor should notify OHS: OHS@uky.edu
All exposures must be documented, regardless of severity.

Contact the appropriate medical provider immediately for evaluation and follow-up:

Main Campus Employees & Students:
Go to University Health Services (UHS) or call ahead if possible.
If after hours, go to the UK Emergency Department or the nearest urgent care center.

Fill out an Exposure Incident Report Form as soon as possible.
Your department or supervisor may assist with the process.
Submit the report to OHS@uky.edu

Resources

Waste Dispsoal
Cleaning up Blood and Body Fluids

NIOSH ALERT: Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings
CDC Avoiding Needlesticks
CDC Exposure Control Plan

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Applicability of BBP Standard to Established Human Cell Lines

Hazard Communication