Universal precautions

Universal precautions is a method of infection control where all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. It is used in the healthcare setting to prevent the transmission of diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, from patient to healthcare worker and vice versa.

History

The concept of universal precautions was first proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1987, in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. The CDC recognized the need for a standard set of precautions to protect healthcare workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The term "universal precautions" refers to the practice of treating all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious.

Principles

The principles of universal precautions include:

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, when there is a potential for contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub, before and after patient contact.
• Safe injection practices, including the use of a new sterile syringe and needle for each injection.
• Safe handling and disposal of sharps, such as needles and scalpels.
• Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that have been in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Implementation

Implementation of universal precautions requires training and education of healthcare workers, provision of necessary supplies and equipment, and monitoring and enforcement of compliance. It also requires a commitment from healthcare institutions to create a safe working environment and to support workers who are exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

See also

• Body substance isolation
• Standard precautions
• Transmission-based precautions

References

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