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affected individual
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Any individual who is exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
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AIDS
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Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS destroys the human immune system and is the final and most severe stage of the HIV virus.
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antiretroviral drugs
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A treatment for the HIV infection. Antiretroviral drugs inhibit the replication of retroviruses associated with HIV.
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antiviral therapy
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A treatment commonly used to combat the HIV infection.
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bloodborne pathogen
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A microorganism present in human blood and other bodily fluids that can cause disease. Bloodborne pathogens include the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency syndrome.
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bodily fluid
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Liquid parts of the body. Bodily fluids include fluids such as blood and mucous.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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An agency of the Department of Health and Human Services that develops and applies disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education.
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cirrhosis
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Chronic liver damage in which the liver becomes scarred, fibrous, and filled with fat, which hinders normal liver function.
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engineering control
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Precautionary measures that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace. Engineering controls include safer medical devices, such as needleless systems.
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exposure control plan
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A written action plan that specifies precautionary measures taken to manage and minimize potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace.
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gloves
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Protective hand covers that reduce the risk of injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Latex gloves protect broken, burned, and abraded skin from bacteria.
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good samaritan
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A person, such as an off-duty physician or a non-medical person, who administers first aid to an injured person.
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gown
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Protective body cover that reduces the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
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HBV
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Hepatitis B Virus. An acute or chronic, viral liver disease. Hepatitis B is the most contagious form of viral hepatitis.
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HCV
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Hepatitis C Virus. A contagious viral liver disease. Hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage.
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HCV antibody
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Proteins produced by the immune system to fight specific bacteria. HCV antibodies fight the hepatitis C virus.
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hepatitis B
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An acute or chronic, viral liver disease. Hepatitis B is the most contagious form of viral hepatitis.
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hepatitis B immune globulin
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A protein found in human blood that fights the hepatitis B infection.
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hepatitis B vaccine
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The vaccine against hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually a series of three shots that help an infected person build antibodies against the disease.
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hepatitis C
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A contagious viral liver disease. Hepatitis C can cause severe liver damage.
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HIV
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
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immune globulin
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A protein found in human blood that fights infection.
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irrigate
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To flush the eyes with water or saline.
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liver cells
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The cells of the liver that secrete bile. Viral hepatitis can damage liver cells, causing severe and life-threatening dysfunction.
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liver enzyme
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A protein produced by the liver that helps speed up chemical reactions such as metabolism, filtration, storage, and excretion.
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mask
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Protective covers that protect mucous membranes such as the nose and mouth from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
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needlestick injury
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A wound caused by accidental penetration of the skin by a needle. Needlestick injuries can cause transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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The United States government agency that regulates the conditions in working environments to ensure the health and safety of employees. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration is abbreviated as OSHA.
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pathogenic microorganism
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An organism of microscopic size, usually a bacteria or virus, that causes disease.
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personal protective equipment
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Safety equipment that a person wears or uses to prevent injury in the workplace. Personal protective equipment is abbreviated as PPE.
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postexposure prophylaxis
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A treatment given immediately following exposure to bloodborne pathogens to prevent infection. Postexposure prophylaxis is abbreviated as PEP.
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protective eyewear
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Protective covers that protect the eyes from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
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self re-sheathing needle
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A needle with a cover that the user can slide back over the needle after use. The cover, or sheath, locks into place.
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sharp
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A non-needle device used for cutting or puncturing.
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sharps injury log
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A record maintained by employers to document injuries caused by sharps in the workplace. A sharps injury log is kept to evaluate devices and identify problem areas in the workplace.
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source individual
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Any individual, living or dead, whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may be a source of occupational exposure to the employee.
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universal precaution
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Recommendations developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to control the spread of infectious diseases. Universal precautions treat all human blood and bodily fluids as infectious.
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viral hepatitis
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A virus that causes inflammation of the liver or severe liver damage. Viral hepatitis has several forms, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
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work practice control
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Precautionary measures that reduce the likelihood of exposure to bloodborne pathogens by altering the way a task or procedure is performed.
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