The consistent use of standard precautions protects health care workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Standard precaution guidelines state that all blood and body fluids should be handled as if they are infectious and capable of transmitting disease.
Standard precautions apply to:
- Blood
- Body fluids
- Secretions (except sweat*)
- Excretions
- Non-intact skin
- Mucous membranes
*Note that sweat is listed among the body fluids that can transmit the Ebola virus.
