universal precautions

Introduction

Mandated by United States federal law. Universal precautions must be implemented by all health-care facilities regardless or & in addition to any other system of precautions used.

Purpose: to prevent transmission of blood- & other body fluid- borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C & HIV.

Scope:

• all patients regardless of their known risk for infections
• blood
• body fluids
  • pleural fluid
  • peritoneal fluid
  • cerebrospinal fluid
  • pericardial fluid
  • amniotic fluid
  • vaginal secretions
  • semen

Exclusions:

• sweat, tears, sputum, emesis, urine UNLESS contaminated with blood

Universal precautions assumes that all patients are potential sources for transmission of infection.

More general terms

• precautions

Additional terms

• infection control