Bloodborne pathogens are transmissible microorganisms that can cause illnesses through the blood in humans. Some examples are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HBV, HCV, and HIV respectively. 

Bloodborne pathogens can be lethal, but they are not easily transmissible. Transmission requires infected blood to enter an uninfected bloodstream through one of the following:

• The eyes
• The mouth
• The nose
• Broken skin anywhere on the body

A needle or broken glass that is contaminated can also cause infection if it comes into contact with broken skin.