Universal precautions

Universal Precautions

A hospital corpsman sorting blood samples, an activity where universal precautions are essential.

Universal precautions are a set of safety measures taken to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens in healthcare settings. These precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers and patients from infections that can be spread through contact with blood and certain body fluids.

History

The concept of universal precautions was introduced in the 1980s in response to the growing awareness of HIV/AIDS and other bloodborne infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) formally recommended universal precautions in 1987, emphasizing the need for healthcare workers to treat all human blood and certain body fluids as if they were known to be infectious.

Principles

Universal precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection to reduce the risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials. These precautions also include proper handling and disposal of sharps, such as needles and scalpels, and the implementation of hand hygiene practices.

Application

Universal precautions are applied in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. They are particularly important during procedures that involve contact with blood or body fluids, such as phlebotomy, surgery, and dental procedures.

Impact

The adoption of universal precautions has significantly reduced the incidence of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens among healthcare workers. It has also raised awareness about the importance of infection control practices in healthcare environments.

Related pages

• Standard precautions
• Infection control
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Occupational safety and health

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1987). "Recommendations for prevention of HIV transmission in health-care settings." MMWR 36(Suppl 2): 1S-18S.
• Siegel, J. D., Rhinehart, E., Jackson, M., Chiarello, L., & the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. (2007). "Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings." CDC.

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  Hospital Corpsman Seaman Jered Cotshwar sorts blood samples during a ship's blood drive aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).