Standard Precautions

Standard precautions apply when dealing with:

• blood; 
  
  
• all body fluids, secretions and excretions (except sweat), regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood; 
  
  
• non-intact skin; and 
  
  
• mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose and mouth. 
  
  

Standard precautions include the following measures:

Handwashing

• Wash hands after touching blood, body fluids or contaminated items even if gloves were worn. Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed and between contacts. Hands should also be washed between tasks and procedures on the same person to prevent contaminating different parts of the body. 
  
  
• Use plain soap for routine handwashing. 
  
  
• Use antimicrobial soap or a waterless antiseptic agent for special circumstances called for in the infection control program.
  
  

Gloves

Wear clean nonsterile gloves when touching blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Gloves should be changed between procedures on the same person after contact with material that may contain a high concentration of microorganisms. Dispose of gloves in an infectious waste container and wash hands promptly.

Masks, Eye Protection, Face Shields

Wear masks, eye protection and/or face shields during activities that are likely to produce splashes or sprays of blood or other body fluids. These protective devices are meant to prevent contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.

Gowns

Wear gowns to protect skin and to prevent soiling clothing during procedures that may produce splashes or sprays of blood or other body fluids. Remove soiled gowns promptly after use and wash hands.

Patient-Care Equipment

Avoid having skin, mucous membrane or clothing come in contact with patient-care equipment that is soiled with blood or other body fluids. Reusable equipment must be cleaned and reprocessed before it is used by someone else. Single-use items should be disposed of properly after use.

Environmental Control

Facilities must have adequate cleaning and inspection procedures.

Linen

Handle linen soiled with blood or body fluids so as to avoid contact with skin, mucous membranes or clothing.

Occupational Health and Bloodborne Pathogens

• Prevent cuts, sticks, or other injuries with needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments. NEVER recap used needles. Place used disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades and other sharp objects in puncture-resistant containers. 
  
  
• Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags or other breathing devices for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. These devices should be available in situations where emergencies can be expected to occur.
  
  

Placement of Patients/Inmates

Place patients who contaminate the environment or who cannot be expected to help maintain adequate hygiene in a private room. If a private room is not available, consult with infection control professionals about an alternative placement.