Universal Precautions

WHAT IS “UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS”?

“Universal Precautions” is an approach to infection control designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis B, and C. Universal Precautions was initially developed in 1987 by the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, and in 1989 by the Bureau of Communicable Disease Epidemiology in Canada.

“Universal Precautions” is the need for care givers to consider the blood and body fluids of all clients as potentially infectious and therefore capable of transmitting bloodborne diseases. Therefore without excep- tion, Universal Precautions are always practiced when one’s work brings them into contact with blood and body fluids. Following the principles of Universal Precautions will protect both the care giver and the client; it does not depend on a diagnosis before initiating protective safeguards.

“Universal Precautions” is a very simple concept that is easy to follow. It involves wearing medical gloves when anticipating that the hands will be in contact with body substances. A mask is worn to protect the mouth and mucous membrane if there is spraying of body substances as may occur at an accident site, or in the operating room. The necessity for protective eyewear is usually only needed in specific healthcare set- tings and is worn to protect the mucous membrane of the eye.

Where do we see these precautions being practiced?

In a Massage Clinic.

In a dentist’s office where the dentist, the assistant, or dental hygienist works on the mouth.

In a doctor’s office during internal examinations.

At accident sites where paramedics are working on injured people, and where police
are in contact with blood.

In all medical clinics and Dr appointments.

Always something to keep conscious about when working with human bodies.

REMEMBER THE AMOUNT OF CONTAMINATED BLOOD DOES NOT HAVE TO BE VISIBLE TO THE HUMAN EYE, TO BE CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING DISEASE THROUGH EVEN THE SMALLEST OF BREAKS IN THE SKIN (i.e a hang nail), OR IF IT COMES INTO CONTACT WITH MUCOUS MEMBRANES (ie the eye or the mouth).

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