Infection Control and Safety
Standard precautions
Use standard precautions for every patient: hand hygiene before and after contact, gloves for blood or body-fluid contact, gown/mask/eye protection when splashes are possible, safe sharps handling, and immediate cleanup of spills with an approved disinfectant. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Vascular access care requires aseptic technique: scrub the hub, allow the disinfectant to dry, and mask the patient during catheter connection. Clean and disinfect stations, machines, and reusable equipment per policy.
Bloodborne pathogens
HBV is the most infectious of the bloodborne viruses and can survive on surfaces; HCV and HIV are also transmitted by needlesticks and contaminated equipment. Report exposures immediately and follow post-exposure protocols. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for staff.
Traps
Confusing disinfection with sterilization, skipping hand hygiene after glove removal, and sharing supplies between patients are common question traps. “Universal precautions” is an outdated term; current practice is standard precautions plus transmission-based precautions when indicated.
Rule of thumb: if it is wet and not yours, treat it as infectious-gloves, hand hygiene, and appropriate disinfection.