Standard Precautions

How to Subscribe
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens for Healthcare Personnel. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens for Healthcare Personnel (online CE course)
Standard Precautions

Standard Precautions are work practices that provide a basic level of infection control to minimize or prevent the spread of infectious agents. The consistent use of Standard Precautions protects healthcare 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, and should be used in the care of all patients in a healthcare setting, REGARDLESS of their suspected or diagnosed infection status.

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.