Module 4 Universal Precautions (UP)

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Universal precaution (UP)

Simple infection control measures that reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens through exposure to blood or body fluids among patients and health care workers. Blood and body fluids from all persons should be considered as infectious agents.

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General Facts
Applied to all body fluids when it is difficult to identify the specific body fluid or when body fluids are visibly contaminated with blood. Intended to supplement rather than replace recommendations for routine infection control, such as - Hand washing - Using PPE including gloves

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Why it is important?
Lab staff are working with Specimens that are potential sources of infectious agents. Skin-piercing procedures Exposures of broken skin, open wounds, cuts and mucosal membranes (mouth or eyes) to blood or body fluid of infected person
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Infectious Body Fluids

Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Synovial fluid Cerebrospinal fluid Pleural fluid Peritoneal fluid Pericardial fluid Amniotic fluid Nasal secretions Sputum Urine

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Bloodborne Pathogens
Viruses, bacteria or other micro-organisms that are carried in a persons blood stream and can cause disease.

Most common pathogens

Hepatitis B: Active or chronic Hepatitis C: Milder symptoms or asymptomatic HIV: Asymptomatic for years

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UP Rules
Single-use disposable injection equipment Discard contaminated sharps immediately in puncture and leak proof containers Do not recap needle or use one hand technique for recapping

Remember ! Always use safety precautions and keep the sharps container away from children and untrained persons
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UP Rules
Wear protective barriers. Gloves Lab coat/Gowns Masks Protective eyeware (goggle)

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UP Rules
Do not wash or disinfect latex gloves
Disinfecting agents may caused deterioration

Wash hands with soap and water before and after procedures Handle soiled linen correctly
Cleaning with detergent and hot water

Disinfect instruments and surface areas

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Reminder!
Treat everyones blood and body fluids as infectious all of the time

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Remind!
Things that should not be done in areas where you are working with blood or body fluids: Eat or drink Smoke Apply cosmetics Handle contact lenses
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Adherence to UP
Understanding of universal precaution Educate about occupational risks Follow universal precautions with all patients, at all times, regardless of diagnosis Regular in service training (all medical and non medical personnel in health care settings)
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Adherence to UP
Make adequate supplies available Ensure safety supplies for basic infection control standards in all settings Ensure availability of single use disposable injection equipment disinfectants sharps containers protective equipment water supplies
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MOST IMPORTANT!!!!!
WASH HANDS

Very basic but important practice to reduce your risk of infection. The sooner you wash infectious material off your hands, the less your chance of infection.
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Acknowledgement
A Factor Health Management Company, (http://www.fcspharmacy.com/)

2009 Family Health International