What are infection control practices that prevent disease transmission through contact with blood and bodily fluids referred to as?

The term "Standard Precautions" refers to infection control practices designed to prevent the transmission of diseases through contact with blood and bodily fluids. These protocols are essential in healthcare settings to ensure that all patients are treated as if they may carry infectious agents, regardless of their known or apparent infection status. This comprehensive approach includes hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling of sharps, and effective isolation practices.

Standard Precautions are vital for minimizing the risk of infection not only for healthcare workers but also for patients. The adoption of these measures helps to create a safer environment by standardizing practices across various interactions with different patients, thus significantly reducing the potential for cross-contamination and disease spread.

This concept evolved from the earlier idea of "Universal Precautions," which specifically focused on blood and certain bodily fluids. While Universal Precautions laid the foundation, Standard Precautions have broadened the scope to include all potential sources of infection. Hence, understanding and implementing Standard Precautions is critical for healthcare professionals in their daily practice.