Bloodborne Pathogens

The purpose of the UW Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Program is to protect University personnel from exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

The UW Bloodborne Pathogens Program requirements apply to all UW personnel with a reasonably anticipated exposure to human blood, tissues, cell lines and other pathogenic agents that are present in human blood, including personnel assigned to provide emergency first aid as either a primary or secondary duty. Personnel in the program follow procedures in their site-specific Exposure Control Plan, complete initial and annual training, and are offered the Hepatitis B vaccine.

The UW Bloodborne Pathogens Program is detailed in the UW Core Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan in Appendix A of the UW Biosafety Manual.

Bloodborne Pathogens Program requirements

Bloodborne pathogens exposure response and reporting

Bloodborne pathogens definition

Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are infectious microorganisms that may be present in human blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), including hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bloodborne pathogens can cause disease in people who have contact with them.

Read a definition for OPIM below.

Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)

Frequently asked questions

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