Which of the following is considered other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)?

Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) encompass a broad range of substances that have the potential to transmit infectious diseases, specifically those that include various bodily fluids and tissues. The correct answer highlights that any body fluid or unfixed tissue can be considered OPIM. This means that fluids such as saliva, urine, semen, and others, along with any unfixed (not chemically treated or preserved) human tissues, carry the risk of containing pathogens that could lead to transmission of diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

The concept of OPIM is critical in understanding the scope of exposure risks in the healthcare field and the importance of implementing appropriate safety measures when handling these materials. Recognizing that OPIM includes more than just blood emphasizes the necessity of caution in all forms of potential exposure.

In contrast, airborne pathogens refer to those that are transmitted through the air and are not classified under OPIM; human skin and hair do not inherently pose a risk of infection related to bloodborne pathogens; and while blood products are indeed infectious, they do not encompass the wider category that OPIM covers. Thus, body fluids and unfixed tissues represent a significant focus for infection control efforts in healthcare settings.