Which of the following is an example of a bloodborne pathogen mentioned in the material?

• A. HIV
• B. HPV
• C. Herpes
• D. Rotavirus

Answer: (A)

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious agents carried in human blood that can be transmitted through blood and certain body fluids. In tattoo and piercing settings, protecting against these pathogens means using standard precautions— gloves, proper hand hygiene, safe handling and disposal of needles and sharps, and thorough cleaning and sterilization of equipment.

HIV is the example that fits this category because it can be present in blood and transmitted through exposure to infected blood or fluids. The other options don’t fit as bloodborne pathogens in typical exposure scenarios: HPV and herpes are mainly spread by skin-to-skin contact or contact with lesions, not through blood; rotavirus spreads via the fecal-oral route and is not transmitted via blood.