Infection control and prevention
Infection control principles and practices for local public health
agencies
Infection
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pathogen exposure
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OPIM
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TB | Transmission-based
precautions
Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
In addition to blood, the following human body materials are
considered to be potentially infectious with HIV, HBV, or HCV.
- all body fluids where it is difficult or impossible to
differentiate between body fluids
amniotic fluid
- any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood
- any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human
(living or dead)
blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected
with bloodborne pathogens
- cell, tissue, or organ cultures containing bloodborne pathogens
cerebral spinal fluid
- culture media or other solutions containing bloodborne
pathogens
- pericardial fluid
- peritoneal fluid
- pleural fluid
- saliva in dental procedures (whether or not there is visible blood
present)
- semen
- synovial fluid
- vaginal secretions
An exposure requiring evaluation and medical attention occurs when
blood or any of the above materials is involved in:
- a puncture of the skin with a needle, lancet, or other
contaminated sharp item
- a splash or spray or other transmission into the eyes, mouth, or
nose
- transmission into an open wound, an oozing lesion, or other area
where there is significant breakdown of the skin
Contacts
Gwen Borlaug, Infection Control Epidemiologist
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response
(Phone 608-267-7711) (Fax 608-261-4976)
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Last Revised:
January 16, 2013 |
