Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyHard
A barber is performing a shave and accidentally cuts a client, resulting in a small amount of blood. Which of the following bloodborne pathogens represents the HIGHEST risk of transmission in a barbering setting if proper infection control is not followed?
- AHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- BHepatitis B virus (HBV)
- CMalaria
- DHepatitis C virus (HCV)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
While all listed pathogens are serious, HBV is significantly more transmissible through blood-to-blood contact than HIV or HCV in occupational settings, and can survive on surfaces for longer periods, making it a higher risk in environments with potential nicks and cuts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. HIV is fragile and does not survive well outside the body, making its transmission risk from incidental blood exposure in a barbering setting very low.
- C. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, not directly through blood-to-blood contact in a barbering setting.
- D. HCV transmission is possible but generally less efficient via casual blood exposure compared to HBV.
HBV Transmission Risk
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses the highest risk of transmission among bloodborne pathogens in occupational settings due to its high infectivity and environmental stability.
- Highly infectious, even with small amounts of blood.
- Can survive on surfaces for days.
- Vaccine available for prevention.
Memory trick: HBV: Hardiest Bloodborne Virus, Highest Risk.