Universal Precautions
Due to Coronavirus or Covid 19 spread, the chances of question on universal precautions is very high. Especially in DNB ENT OSCE Viva station or as Short question in DNB ENT Theory. Prepare this question throughly.
Definition
Center for disease control in Atlanta gave the universal precautions in 1987 to minimize the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections.
In 1996, CDC renamed it as standard precautions to include universal precautions and body substances isolation to prevent risk of infection transmission from almost all body fluids and tissues.
These apply to all body fluids such as blood, body secretions, all body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, CSF, urine, etc. organs or tissues, cell cultures or tissue cultures, organ cultures, animal parts or fluids, non-intact skin and mucous membranes.
These precautions include:
Proper handwashing
– Before and after coming in contact with any patient
– Before and after coming in contact with body fluids or specimens
– Before and after glove wearing anytime
– Steps are given to standardize the technique and prevent infection transmission.
- Wearing double pair of gloves: Single pair does not limit risk as much as double pair while three pairs give no added benefit
- Caps and masks
- Apron
- Protective equipment for eyes and feet: Eye protection equipment include plastic glasses with side shields, goggles, chin length masks and masks with visors. The gum boots or canvas shoes are for feet protection especially while doing TURP like procedures.
To read full content, please consider buying the membership