Universal precautions

• Universal precautions were introduced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 1985, mostly in response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Universal precautions are a standard set of guidelines to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
• Include
  • Barrier protection
    • Googles, gloves, masks, shields, gowns/PPE
  • Hand hygiene
  • Transmission based precautions
    • Airborne
    • Droplet
    • Contact