Universal Precaution

Universal Precaution

Definition:

Universal precaution is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and certain human body fluids as if they were known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other blood borne pathogens.

Need for universal precautions: -

·           Use barrier protection to prevent skin and mucous membrane contact with blood or other body fluids.

·           Wear gloves to prevent contact with blood, infectious material or other, potentially contaminated surfaces or items.

·           Wear face protection if blood or bodily fluid droplets may be generated during a procedure.

·           Wear protective clothing if blood or bodily fluid may be splashed during a procedure.

·           Wash hands and skin immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood as body fluid.

·           Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed.

·           Use care when using or handling sharp instruments and needles. Place used sharps in labeled, punctured resistance container.

·           If you have sustained an exposure or puncture wound, immediately flush the exposed and notify your supervisor.

The concept of universal health precaution emphasizes that all our patients should be treated as though they have potential blood borne infections and can infect the health care workers.

Hospital Infection:

MICROBIAL SOURCE + TRANSMISSION + SUSEPTIBLE HOST = INFECTION

Storage and distribution: -

·           Cup boards, selves, tables, chairs, racks.

·           Trolleys, Instrument trays, wire baskets and containers.