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We all try to do what we do as safely as possible by taking the time to have ourselves and our wonderful donor tested for health issues and disease but is that enough?
As sangs we are at a much greater risk for illness and blood borne pathogens
What are blood borne pathogens? The CDC (Center for Disease Control) Defines blood borne pathogens as micro organisms contained in blood and other bodily fluids such as but not limited to HIV, hepatitis A and B, non hepatitis A and non B, syphilis, malaria, babesiosis, brucellosis, Leptospirosis, relapsing fever, creutzfeld-Jocobs disease, Human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1, and viral hemorrhagic fever.
These diseases can be contracted by by direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids to open wounds and soft tissue such as the mouth and eyes. They can also be contracted by being cut or poked by broken glass, razorblades, needles and scalpels that have been contaminated by bodily fluids that are infected.
It is because of these risks that the CDC, OSHA and healthcare providers have indorsed guidelines and regulations as to the proper disposal of sharps used in the medical field and work place regulations for the clean up of blood and bodily fluids.
Used needles scalpels and razorblades should never be thrown in the trash. Someone may be stuck or cut putting them in danger of infection. Our trash is handled by many people even after it leaves our homes. It is carried by the trash man, sorted through at processing plants.
Regulations require that these items should be properly disposed of in a puncture proof container with biohazard marked clearly on the sides. These sharps containers can be purchased at most pharmacy and medical supplies stores for around 5.00 US dollars. It is a small price to pay to keep yourself and family safe. These regulations are a huge step in reducing the spread of disease.
Blood born Pathogens have been responsible for the deaths of more than 200 people and blood borne infection of over 9000 in the US alone according to OSHA. (Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Needles
Needles are for one time use only and should be immediately disposed of in a sharps container. For safety never try to recap a used needle.
Razorblades
Razorblades should be disinfected before use as they are not generally sterilized and wrapped. They should be used only once and placed in a sharps container for disposal.
Lancets
Lancets are another one time use item. These should be disposed of and treated just as a needle.
Scalpels
Scalpels come in many types. The disposable scalpels come individually wrapped in sterile plastic and should not need sterilized before use but it is still a safe practice. They should be disposed of in a sharps box. Stainless steel scalpels can be reused but, must be sterilized immediately before and after each use. Boiling water is the best way to do this.
We can not feed completely risk free but, taking steps to reduce the risks is a step in the right direction.
They say knowledge is power and my hope is that by writing this I am giving you the power to protect yourselves and those you love. Blessed be and safe feeding
COMMENTS
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gszander
18:06 Mar 27 2011
Nice helpfull information. Let all heed these words.