Who qualifies as a source individual in the context of occupational exposure?

In the context of occupational exposure, a source individual refers to any person whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may pose a risk of exposure to an employee. This includes individuals who are carriers of infectious diseases, regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not. Therefore, the definition encompasses a broad range of potential sources, including both living individuals and deceased persons whose blood may still be infectious.

While the other options specify more limited contexts—like only living individuals with infectious diseases, employees working with bloodborne pathogens, or authorized medical personnel—they do not capture the full scope of what constitutes a source individual. Recognizing any person whose blood may lead to exposure is crucial for ensuring comprehensive safety measures and protocols within environments where occupational exposure to infectious materials can occur. This understanding helps in implementing necessary precautions to protect employees from potential risks associated with exposure.