Which of the following is not an example of an other potentially infectious material (OPIM)

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OPIM

In addition to blood, the following human body materials are considered to be potentially infectious with HIV, HBV, or HCV.

  • All body fluids where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids
  • Amniotic fluid 
  • Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood 
  • Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead)
  • Blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with bloodborne pathogens 
  • Cell, tissue, or organ cultures containing bloodborne pathogens
  • Cerebral spinal fluid 
  • Culture media or other solutions containing bloodborne pathogens 
  • Pericardial fluid 
  • Peritoneal fluid 
  • Pleural fluid 
  • Saliva in dental procedures (whether or not there is visible blood present) 
  • Semen 
  • Synovial fluid 
  • Vaginal secretions

An exposure requiring evaluation and medical attention occurs when blood or any of the above materials is involved in:

  • A puncture of the skin with a needle, lancet, or other contaminated sharp item 
  • A splash or spray or other transmission into the eyes, mouth, or nose 
  • Transmission into an open wound, an oozing lesion, or other area where there is significant breakdown of the skin

Contacts

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention Program
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Bureau of Communicable Diseases
Phone 608-267-7711
Fax 608-261-4976

Last Revised: October 30, 2017

  1. Which of the following is not an example of another potentially infectious material (OPIM)?

    blood from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV

    cerebrospinal fluid
    urine

    unfixed body organs

    Urine

  2. OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standard covers

    all employees in jobs where occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens can be "reasonably anticipated."

  3. Which form of Hepatitis currently has no vaccination available?

    Hep C

  4. Which of the following is a possible way for transmission of bloodborne pathogens to occur?a nursing assistant punctures his thumb with a needle he just used on a patient
    a worker picking up broken glass from a dropped specimen jar containing potentially infectious material cuts her hand on a shard of glass

    a lab worker accidentally splashes blood in his eye during the preparation of a slide

    • all of the above

  5. Which of the following is a true statement concerning handwashing after occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials?

    • The best practice is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after any potential exposure

  6. If you cut your finger opening an ampoule you should finish opening the rest of the ampoules and then wash your hands afterwards.

    False

  7. In a work place that uses "universal precautions" for infection control, which of the following is true?

    • all blood and other potentially infectious materials are handled as if they were known to be infectious

  8. Used trocars, needles, scalpels, suture needles, forceps and needle holders are considered sharps or dirty instruments and should be handled by the MD or their staff for disposal.

    True

  9. We should always dispose of any dirty gauze or bloody draping that a provider has used during an insertion as a service to our customers

    False

  10. If you believe you have been exposed to blood or another potentially infectious material you should

    • Notify the onsite supervisor of the office you are in immediately and follow their protocol, then notify Christine Burns and your manager

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.6 million workers are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, etc. 

When exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), workers are at risk from infection.

What are ‘other potentially infectious materials,’ commonly abbreviated to OPIM?

Other potentially infectious materials are bodily fluids, tissues, and organs from a human being that can spread infection from one person to another through direct contact. 

When speaking about blood in this article and on our website, we are referring to human blood, products made from human blood, and human blood components. 

OPIM Include:

  • Semen 
  • Vaginal secretions
  • Amniotic fluid 
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (spine and brain) 
  • Pericardial fluid (tissues around the heart)
  • Peritoneal fluid (abdomen)
  • Synovial fluid (lubricates the joints) 
  • Pleural fluid (the membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity)
  • Saliva, particularly during dental procedures
  • Any bodily fluid contaminated with blood or potentially contaminated, but it is difficult to determine the presence or absence of blood
  • Any unfixed tissue or organ from a human or primate (living or dead)
  • Human cell cultures used for research purposes
  • Any cells or cultures contaminated with HIV, HBV, HCV, or other BBPs
  • Blood, organs, and tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV
  • Any pathogenic microorganism

Unless visibly contaminated with blood, sweat, feces, tears, saliva, nasal secretions, urine, and vomit are not considered OPIM. 

Transmission of a Bloodborne Pathogen via an OPIM

The following are common ways that one can be infected with a BBP.

  • An accidental or intentional skin puncture with a contaminated needle 
  • Direct contact of the contaminated fluid with broken skin, a cut, or a wound.
  • Direct contact of the contaminated fluid with the eyes, nose, or mouth, which contain mucous membranes that give pathogens a convenient entrance to the body.
  • A bite that breaks the skin and comes into contact with blood. 
  • Sexual contact. 
  • Mother-to-fetus transmission during pregnancy and birth.

It is vital to take precautions anytime you risk exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Wear PPE and perform your job so that you minimize the risk of exposure. Keep wounds covered and clean, avoid unprotected sexual contact, and always be mindful around bodily fluids that may transmit bloodborne pathogens.

Which are examples of other potentially infectious materials Opim?

Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) means: (1) The following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body ...

Which of the following is NOT considered a potentially infectious material?

Unless visible blood is present, the following body fluids are NOT considered to be potentially infectious: feces. nasal secretions. saliva.

What are examples of potentially infectious materials?

OPIM is an acronym for Other Potentially Infectious Materials..
Cerebrospinal fluid..
Synovial fluid..
Pleural fluid..
Pericardial fluid..
Semen..
Vaginal secretions..
Vomit..
Peritoneal fluid..

What is not Opim?

These non-OPIM fluids include urine, feces, tears, nasal secretions, sputum or vomit. Even though these fluids are not associated with transmission of bloodborne pathogens unless blood is also present, care should still be taken to minimize exposure to these fluids.