Bloodborne pathogens are micro-organisms found in human blood that can lead to diseases in human beings. The most common viral infections caused by bloodborne pathogens are the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  HBV is known to cause, among other things, liver damage with symptoms that include fatigue, abdominal pain, and urine.  The onset of the virus does not occur overnight but rather over time.  HIV, like HBV may take years before symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands begin to show.  HIV may cause organ failure and other fatal outcomes including death for those who contract the virus.  

The pathogen is transmitted through blood found in body fluids such as saliva, vomit, and bleeding. The most common pathway for transmission is through the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth of the human body.  Another transmission method is through broken skin such as cuts and abrasions.  Cleaners are susceptible to being infected by bloodborne pathogens because of their exposure to soiled linens, body fluid clean-up, trash bags, syringes, and bathrooms. 

In an effort to contain and minimize bloodborne pathogen infections, a governmental entity known as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) established what is known as "Universal Precaution" standards for employees to abide by in handling items that have a high potential for infecting humans.  Major standards, such as assuming all items from all humans are potentially infectious, color-coding soiled linen, wearing protective gear such as gloves and eyeglasses, handling trash bags with care; disinfecting cleaning equipment, washing hands, and notifying a physician if you feel you have been infected were all recommended as written standards to be implemented in policy and offered to employees by way of formal training.