The concept of universal precautions, which entails the preventive measures, taken by the health care providers in order to minimize transmission of infections from the patient. Under universal precautions, all patients were considered to be possible carriers of blood-borne pathogens. The guideline recommended wearing gloves when collecting or handling blood and body fluids contaminated with blood, wearing face shields when there was a danger of blood splashing on mucous membranes and disposing of all needles and sharp objects in puncture-resistant containers.
Universal precautions were designed for health care providers -doctors, nurses, patients, and healthcare support workers who were required to come into contact with patients or bodily fluids. This included staff and others who might not come into direct contact with patients. Most of the pathogens fall into two broad categories:…
