Infection control practices in healthcare have changed radically since the advent of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in the 1980s. While the hazards remain, changes in care practices and protective devices have improved the safety of healthcare professionals against bloodborne pathogens as never before. This new three-part series provides learners with an understanding of the pathogenicity of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, and strategies developed to prevent their spread through work practice controls and engineering controls.

The series consists of three 16 minute programs:

PREVENTING BLOODBORNE INFECTIONS: BLOODBORNE VIRUSES
This first of three programs on preventing bloodborne infections, describes the dangerous bloodborne viruses themselves and how they are transmitted.
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:
-Describe the characteristics of HIV and AIDS.
-Describe the characteristics of hepatitis B and C.
-Describe the sources of transmission of bloodborne infections.
-Describe the modes of transmission of bloodborne infections outside theworkplace.
-Describe the modes of transmission of bloodborne infections at the workplace.

PREVENTING BLOODBORNE INFECTIONS: PREVENTING TRANSMISSION, PROTECTING YOURSELF
This is the second of three programs on preventing bloodborne infections, and it will examine the measures you can take to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens in the healthcare environment, as well as how to protect yourself in the healthcare workplace.
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:
-Describe Universal Precautions.
-Describe Standard Precautions.
-Describe post-exposure responses.
-Describe the use of gloves for protection against bloodborne infections.
-Describe the use of eyeware for protection against bloodborne infections.
-Describe the use of gowns for protection against bloodborne infections

PREVENTING BLOODBORNE INFECTIONS: ENGINEERING CONTROLS AND WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS
This is the third of three programs on preventing bloodborne infections, and it will examine OSHA mandated changes in medical equipment - engineering controls - and the way tasks are performed - work practice controls.
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:
-Describe the safe handling of sharps and use of safer needle devices.
-Describe decontamination and cleaning procedures.
-Describe the CDC hand hygiene guidellines

*These programs are also available separately