What is the most common risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens for healthcare workers?

The most common risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens for healthcare workers is needle stick injury. This is due to the direct handling of sharp instruments, such as needles or other devices that can penetrate the skin, which often come into contact with blood or potentially infectious materials. When healthcare workers administer injections, draw blood, or handle sharp objects, they increase their risk of encountering bloodborne pathogens, which can lead to serious infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

While exposure to infected patients, inadequate training, and inconsistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are also important considerations in terms of overall infection control and safety, they are not as directly linked to the immediate risk of exposure as needle stick injuries. Needle stick injuries represent a more immediate and quantifiable risk, making them a primary concern in healthcare settings.