Infection Control Manual

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2007 Standard Precautions Policy (59 kB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Precautions

Key Points
Prevent blood / body substance contact with non-intact skin and mucous membranes Minimise blood / body substance contact with intact skin Prevent sharps injuries Immunise staff against hepatitis B virus (See Sharps Injury Policy) Prevent contaminated items being used between patients (See Disinfection Policy) All precautions should be allied to good skin care and safe infection control practices at all times in order to protect both staff and patients

Introduction

All blood and body fluids are potentially infectious and it is not always known whether a patient has a disease that can be transmitted via blood (WHO, 2003). Body fluids which contain large numbers or micro-organisms are a major source of pathogens. Therefore, Standard Precautions, as well as protecting Healthcare Workers from infection and blood borne viruses, could prevent transmission of many other pathogens, and make a contribution to the reduction of hospital acquired infections.

Because any patient may carry organisms that could potentially cause infection, hands must always be decontaminated appropriately (See Hand Hygiene) and Personal Protective Equipment should be used (See Uniforms). If universal precautions are effectively practised, patients and carers will be protected from infection transmission, whatever procedure is being undertaken and whatever the diagnosis of the patient.

United Kingdom Department of Health 1998 Guidelines on Standard Precautions:

• Cover any cuts and grazes with an impermeable dressing
• Wash hands or use an alcohol handrub before and after contact with each patient, and before putting on and removing gloves
• Change gloves between patients
• Assess risk of accidental contamination with blood and body fluids
• Wear appropriate protective clothing where contact with blood can be anticipated (See Protective Clothing Guidelines)
• Avoid contamination of clothing and skin with blood
• Avoid sharps injuries
• Clear up spillages (however small) properly (See Spillage Guidelines)
• Follow safe procedures for the disposal of contaminated waste (See Disposal Procedures)

 

• References

  Chalmers C, Straub M. Standard principles for preventing and controlling infection. Nurs Stand. 2006 Feb 15-21;20(23):57-65; quiz 66.

  UK Department of Health. Winning Ways: Working together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England and Wales. Report from the Chief Medical Officer. 2003.