- Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control that should be used in the care of all patients all of the time
- Use in the care of all patients to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and non-recognized sources of infection
- Applies to blood, all body fluids, secretions and excretions (except sweat) whether or not they contain visible blood; non-intact skin; and mucous membranes
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) to carry out Standard Precautions includes: gowns, masks, eye protection, face shield (if splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids is likely).
Standard Precautions include:
- Hand hygiene - always - following any patient contact
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water – especially if visibly soiled. Clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub if not visibly soiled
- Gloves
- Clean, non-sterile gloves when touching or coming into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions
- Apply gloves just before touching mucous membranes or contacting blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions
- Remove gloves promptly after use and discard before touching non-contaminated items or environmental surfaces, and before providing care to another patient
- Wash hands immediately after removing gloves
- Clean, non-sterile gloves when touching or coming into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions
- Gowns
- Fluid resistant, non-sterile
- Protect soiling of clothing during activities that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions
- Apply gown prior to performing such activities
- Mask, face shield, eye protection
- Protect eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes from exposure to sprays or splashes of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions
- Apply appropriate protection prior to performing such activities
- Protect eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes from exposure to sprays or splashes of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions
- Avoid contamination of clothing and the transfer of microorganisms to other patients, surfaces and environments
- Clean, disinfect or reprocess non-disposable equipment before reuse with another patient
- Discard single-use items properly