What is the main transmission route for bloodborne pathogens in healthcare?

The primary transmission route for bloodborne pathogens in healthcare settings is through needlesticks or sharps injuries. This is because needlesticks and injuries from sharp objects can cause direct exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, which may contain pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These pathogens can enter the bloodstream through cuts or punctures in the skin, making this route particularly high-risk.

While direct patient-to-patient contact can lead to the spread of infections, bloodborne pathogens require specific types of contact to be transmitted, typically involving blood or other body fluids. Handling food in medical settings does not facilitate the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, as these viruses are primarily transmitted through blood. Similarly, aerosol-generating procedures are more commonly associated with respiratory pathogens rather than bloodborne pathogens, as bloodborne pathogens do not typically spread through the air. Thus, needlesticks and sharps injuries remain the most critical concern for healthcare workers regarding bloodborne pathogen transmission.