What term refers to infectious microorganisms in blood?

• A. Bloodborne Pathogens
• B. Hepatitis B Vaccination
• C. PPE
• D. Standard Precautions

Answer: (A)

Bloodborne pathogens is the term that describes infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease and be transmitted through exposure to blood or certain body fluids. This label specifically identifies the agents themselves, not the means of protection or a vaccine. The other options point to protective measures or procedures rather than the organisms: a vaccine prevents infection from a specific pathogen (not a description of the pathogens in blood), PPE refers to equipment used to protect you from exposure, and Standard Precautions are the general rules used to reduce transmission, not the microorganisms themselves. So the term that refers to the infectious microorganisms in blood is bloodborne pathogens.