Final answer:
Contact with dried blood or OPIM can transmit infections such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Precautions like wearing gloves, using disposable syringes, and disinfecting surfaces with bleach can help reduce the risk of transmission. Testing blood products is important to prevent transmission during procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contact with dried blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) can transmit various infections. For example, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted through surface contact with dried blood or OPIM. The virus can remain infective on surfaces for up to seven days, even if no blood or other fluids are visible. It is important to take appropriate precautions, such as wearing gloves, using disposable syringes and needles, and disinfecting surfaces with a 10% bleach solution, to reduce the risk of transmission. Testing blood products is also important to prevent transmission during transfusions and similar procedures.