For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BODY FLUID. Fluids that have been recognized by the Center for Disease Control as directly linked to the transmission of HIV and/or HBV and/or to which universal precautions apply: blood, semen, blood products, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid and concentrated HIV or HBV viruses.
EXPOSURE. The contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials to which universal precautions apply through contact with open wounds, non-intact skin or mucous membranes during the performance of an individual's normal job duties.
HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV). A serious blood-borne virus with potential for life-threatening complications. Possible complications include: massive hepatic necrosis, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic active hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV). The virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted through sexual contact and exposure to infected blood or blood components and perinatally from mother to neonate.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB). An acute or chronic communicable disease that usually affects the respiratory system, but may involve any system in the body.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS. Refers to a system of infectious disease control which assumes that every direct contact with body fluid is infectious and requires every employee exposed to direct contact with potentially infectious materials to be protected as though the body fluid were HBV or HIV infected.
(1989 Code, § 4-504)