The term OPIM is an acronym for Other Potentially Infectious Materials, a classification central to occupational health and safety. OPIM identifies substances in the workplace that are not whole human blood but carry a significant risk of transmitting infectious agents. Proper management of OPIM prevents the spread of diseases like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B and C viruses. This concept is particularly relevant in healthcare, laboratory, and emergency response settings where workers encounter human body substances.
Regulatory Context and Core Definition
The official definition of Other Potentially Infectious Materials is established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. This term is formally codified within the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), a regulation designed to protect employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The standard mandates the use of Universal Precautions, requiring employers to treat all human blood and OPIM as if they are known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. This classification extends the protective scope beyond blood to include other potentially hazardous substances. The regulatory framework compels employers to implement controls to minimize employee exposure, ensuring worker safety without needing to determine if a source material is actually infected.
Specific Materials Classified as OPIM
The OPIM classification applies to a comprehensive list of human body fluids considered high-risk for disease transmission.
Body Fluids
The standard covers specific fluids found within the body’s cavities and systems:
- Semen and vaginal secretions.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
- Synovial fluid (from joints).
- Pleural fluid (from the lungs).
- Pericardial fluid (surrounding the heart).
- Peritoneal fluid (from the abdomen).
- Amniotic fluid (from pregnant women).
Saliva is generally not classified as OPIM unless encountered during dental procedures, where contamination with blood is likely. Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood, or where differentiation is difficult, is automatically considered OPIM.
Tissues and Cultures
Beyond fluids, OPIM includes any unfixed human tissue or organ (excluding intact skin). Laboratory materials are also covered, such as cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and culture media suspected of containing HIV or HBV. This category also extends to blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.
Protecting Against Exposure
Preventing exposure to OPIM relies on a combination of engineering controls, work practice controls, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Engineering and Work Practice Controls
Engineering controls involve using devices that isolate or remove the hazard, such as leak-proof, puncture-resistant sharps disposal containers. These containers must be located close to the point of use for immediate disposal. Work practice controls involve changing how a task is performed to reduce risk, such as prohibiting mouth pipetting of OPIM. Hand hygiene is foundational, requiring employees to wash exposed skin immediately after contact with OPIM.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers must provide appropriate PPE at no cost to the employee, which acts as a barrier against infectious materials. This equipment includes disposable gloves, fluid-resistant gowns or lab coats, and eye and face protection (goggles or face shields) when splashing is anticipated. Contaminated PPE must be removed before leaving the work area and properly disposed of or laundered to prevent further spread.