Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are infections carried in blood and certain body fluids, chiefly the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Contact, collision and combat sports can produce bleeding and blood contact between participants, which creates a route for transmission. The actual risk during sport is very low and documented cases are rare, but the consequences of infection can be serious.
The SEM clinician applies standard precautions and the blood rule to every bleeding athlete, manages a blood exposure promptly (including time-critical decisions), advises on prevention and vaccination, and supports athletes living with a BBV to take part safely and without discrimination.
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