Universal Precautions
Routine Practices are intended to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure to blood borne diseases (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis B.) blood and body fluids, of all people should be treated as potentially infectious.
Routine Practices apply to blood, body fluids and non-intact (broken) skin. Hepatitis B can be spread through a bite when infected blood or saliva enters the other person's bloodstream through a wound.
Protective barriers reduce the risk of exposure of non-intact skin or mucous membranes to potentially infectious materials. Examples of protective barriers include gloves, gowns and condoms.
Clean up spills of blood with soap and water, then wipe the surface with freshly made 1:10 bleach solution (1 /4 cup bleach to 2 1/4 cups of water.) The solution should be left in contact with the surface for at least 10 minutes. The bleach will kill any virus left on the surface.
Garbage containers should be lined with plastic bags. When disposing, tie the bag so no one can touch the soiled articles. Double bagging is not necessary unless the bag has holes or the outside is visibly soiled. Sharp articles (needles, razors) should be disposed of in a puncture proof container.
Four Steps to Routine Practices
- Wear protective barriers.
- Clean contaminated surfaces.
- Dispose of contaminated articles safely.
- Remove barriers (gloves) and wash hands.
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