ICU learning pathway | Universal Precautions and Cross Infection

Universal Precautions and Cross Infection
Session Overview
Description
Standard precautions should be used for all procedures involving body fluid. They are based on the principle that all body fluids are contaminated. This session explains risk assessment and the precautions needed in all situations.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain why standard precautions are required
• Describe how to assess the risk of a procedure
• Explain how to apply standard precautions
• Explain post-exposure procedures

Standard precautions are infection control measures that should be applied as standard principles by all healthcare staff to the care of all patients at all times.

Many blood-borne pathogens have yet to be identified and others have no recognizable cure; the risk of transmission of infection with micro-organisms can be from both recognized and unrecognized sources.

Standard precautions include universal precautions and both are essential components in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases in the healthcare setting.