Infection Control and Prevention
Infection Control Principles and Practices for Local Public Health
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Other Potentially Infectious Materials (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
For Infection Control Information
Gwen Borlaug Infection Control Epidemiologist
WI Division of Public Health
Bureau of Communicable Diseases
608-267-7711 Phone
608-261-4976 Fax
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Last Revised: November 06, 2008 |
