Adhere to Standard and Universal Precautions and Guidelines Related to Infection Control

Universal precautions

precautions that apply when it is possible that one might come into contact with human blood, tissue, body fluids or secretions, regardless of the patients’ infection status

When universal precautions apply ?

when in contact with any blood products; human tissue; body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, and pleural fluid; any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood; vaginal secretions and semen

Health care professionals are responsible for

protecting their patients but also themselves from blood-borne pathogens

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been recommending

standard precautions since 1987

Standard precautions

minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of known infection status

General guidelines of standard precautions

wash hands before and after procedures; use gloves with encountering pt blood/body fluids, handling anything contaminated with blood, performing venipuncture, handling blood specimens, and cleaning up body fluids or blood; Cover any scratches or breaks in the skin; no eating drinking or chewing gum while working; Wear appropiate PPE; clean spills immediately; dispose of sharps immediately; dispose of biohazard waste in container

Personal protective equipment

gear worn when there is a chance of coming in contact with blood or body fluids. This includes gloves, gowns/aprons, shoe covers, lab coats, masks and respirators, protective eyewear, and face shields

Biohazard waste

Materials that present a potential or actual risk to the health of humans, animals, or the environment