universal precautions

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: 1) all patients regardless of their known risk for infections 2) blood 3) body fluids a) pleural fluid b) peritoneal fluid c) cerebrospinal fluid d) pericardial fluid e) amniotic fluid f) vaginal secretions g) semen Exclusions: - sweat, tears, sputum, emesis, urine UNLESS contaminated with blood Universal precautions assumes that all patients are potential sources for transmission of infection.

References

Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998