Standard Precautions are a minimum set of practices for research and healthcare settings developed to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents contained in human samples. The major premise of Standard Precautions is to handle all human body fluids as potentially infectious (including samples derived from blood, urine, saliva,
feces, etc). At Cornell, these practices extend to all primate samples, excluding sweat. If performing studies with human participants or with blood and other potentially infectious materials, reducing transmission of diseases is a top priority, regardless of
diagnosis or presumed infection status. Disease spreads often through a lack of proper hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer. Hand washing should occur regularly throughout the day, including prior to leaving the lab, after restroom use, after having physical interactions with research participants, and after sneezing or coughing. Discard contaminated materials through
designated waste channels. Refer to the Biological Waste page for additional details on identifying these streams. Maintain a clean workspace to prevent the risk of exposure and transmission of
infectious agents. Regularly disinfect personal lab spaces, reusable equipment, and commonly touched surfaces. Disease spreads by direct contact with sick individuals or infectious materials, or through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. By using universal precautions and treating all materials as infectious, the likelihood of exposure to an infectious agent is reduced. Use the standard precaution of wearing gloves and lab coat for direct contact with research animals, chemicals, or biological materials. All personnel must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes when in a research laboratory. Be cautious selecting sneakers. These shoes often have a mesh top which does not provide much protection. Things to Avoid
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Universal precaution is an approach to infection control that urges medical providers, first aid providers, and bystanders to treat all human blood and other potentially infectious materials such as cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, semen, vaginal secretions, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, and any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood as if it were known to be infectious for HIV, hepatitis, staph, or other bloodborne pathogens (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Individuals who use universal precautions are much less likely to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These figures don’t include the tens of millions of people who are first aid certified each year and who play an increasingly important role as first responders to emergency situations. In case you were curious, not all fluids require special handling: “Universal precautions do not apply to feces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, and vomitus unless they contain visible blood. The risk of transmission of HIV and HBV from these fluids and materials is extremely low or nonexistent” (CDC). The Purpose of Universal Precautions The purpose of practicing universal precautions is twofold: universal precautions protect patients from further harm or infection, while simultaneously protecting the medical or first aid practitioner from contracting a bloodborne illness from an infected individual. Universal Precaution Equipment Although unbroken skin is a good barrier against bloodborne pathogens, even the smallest cut, blister, blemish, or skin opening can admit pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens may also be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Equip yourself with personal protective equipment such as:
If your office or facility has an AED, First Aid, or Stop the Bleed® kits, you should include standard universal precaution personal protective equipment. 10 Ways Protect Yourself from Bloodborne Pathogens If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to perform CPR, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, administer first aid, or are otherwise exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials, you must protect yourself to prevent exposure to pathogens.
What are 3 standard precautions you should use when in contact with blood or other body fluids?Hand hygiene. Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, eyewear). Respiratory hygiene / cough etiquette.
What are safety guidelines that you use when you treat all blood and infectious material as if they are infected?Protect yourself by following these steps: Treat all blood and body fluid spills as if they were infectious. When providing first aid or CPR, protect yourself first, then treat the victim second. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment: gloves, goggles, etc.
What are the universal precautions to prevent blood to blood infections?Universal precautions include:
Using disposable gloves and other protective barriers while examining all patients and while handling needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments. Washing hands and other skin surfaces that are contaminated with blood or body fluids immediately after a procedure or examination.
What are two precautions that should be taken when dealing with blood or body fluids?How can you reduce your risk of exposure to blood and body fluids?. Always wear gloves for handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids.. Wear gloves if you have scraped, cut, or chapped skin on your hands.. Change your gloves after each use.. Wash your hands immediately after removing your gloves.. |
