What is the primary method of transmission for bloodborne pathogens?

The primary method of transmission for bloodborne pathogens is through blood or bodily fluids. Bloodborne pathogens, which include viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C, are specifically transmitted when infected bodily fluids come into contact with an individual's bloodstream or mucous membranes. This can occur through various means, such as needle-stick injuries, open wounds, or exposure during medical or beauty treatments that involve blood.

Understanding this mode of transmission is crucial for maintaining safety protocols in esthetics and other health-related fields. While skin contact and contaminated surfaces can also pose risks for infections, they are not the primary transmission routes for bloodborne pathogens specifically, which are more directly associated with blood and certain bodily fluids. Airborne transmission is unrelated to bloodborne pathogens, as these pathogens do not spread through air, but rather through fluid exchange.