Practices and personal protective equipment designed to prevent healthcare workers from transmitting infections to themselves or to other patients within healthcare settings
Combines major features of Universal Precautions and Body Substance Isolation
Based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents
Applies to all patients in all healthcare settings, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status
Also applicable when caring for externally and/or internally contaminated radiation event victims
Standard precautions provide healthcare workers working in post-decontamination areas of the hospital with adequate protection against potential contamination of themselves and others
NOTE: Some radiological materials are excreted in sweat
Practices most relevant to the care of externally and/or internally contaminated radiation event victims include
Use of gloves, gown, eye protection or face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection (based on the anticipated level of healthcare worker-patient interaction)
Safe handling of equipment or other items likely to have been contaminated with body fluids in a manner that prevents transmission of radiological material to the healthcare workers or to other patients
Proper application depends on
The nature of the healthcare worker-patient interaction
The extent of anticipated contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions
Includes education and training on principles and rationale for recommended practices
Facilitates appropriate decision-making and future adherence
Standard precautions (plus reverse isolation practices and procedures) should be used by healthcare workers caring for neutropenic radiation victims
References:
Standard Precautions (HHS/CDC) [Detailed background information and recommendations concerning use of Standard Precautions.]
Guidance for the Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Healthcare Settings (May 20, 2004) (PDF - 285 KB, PowerPoint - 1.46 MB) (HHS/CDC)
Sequence for Donning and Removing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Poster (May 7, 2004) (PDF - 782 KB, PDF - 757 KB) (HHS/CDC)