What are “Universal Precautions”?
Universal precautions are infection control guidelines designed to protect people from diseases spread by blood and certain body fluids. Always ASSUME that all “blood, body fluids and excretions” are infectious for blood-borne diseases such as HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) and HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus).
Should Universal Precautions apply to you?
YES, always assume you are at risk of being exposed to an infectious disease. Especially if you are exposed to; or at risk of being exposed to; blood, body fluids or excretions.
How should I clean up blood/body fluids?
- Put on disposable gloves
- Wipe up blood or body fluids with absorbent paper towels
- Place contaminated paper towels in a new plastic garbage bag
- Clean and rinse area with usual disinfectant
- Wipe the surface with a 1:10 dilution of household bleach in water. This concentration can be achieved by mixing 1 ounce of household bleach with 9 ounces of tap water (1:10 dilution). This disinfectant will have a shelf life of one shift ONLY.
- Dispose into the same plastic garbage bag: the cloths used to wipe up and your gloves, removing gloves last.
- Secure bag with tie
- Dispose of plastic garbage bag as per your department’s instructions
- Wash hands
