Universal precautions (UP) were instituted by the CDC in 1985 to protect health-care workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, primarily hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV. Under universal precautions, all patients are assumed to be possible carriers of bloodborne pathogens. Transmission may occur by skin puncture from a contaminated sharp object or by passive contact through open skin lesions or mucous membranes. The guideline recommends wearing gloves when collecting or handling blood and body fluids contaminated with blood, wearing face shields when there is danger of blood splashing on mucous membranes, and disposing of all needles and sharp objects in puncture-resistant containers without recapping.
A modification of UP was made and has now been called Body substance Isolation (BSI).
Also see: Standard Precautions in the Laboratory
0 comments :
Post a Comment