diseases by treating all blood and certain body fluids as if they were infected with a bloodborne pathogen such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and others. The universal precautions include measures such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks or eye protection, using safe work practices to avoid splashes, spills or punctures, and properly disposing of contaminated materials. These precautions are essential to protecting healthcare workers and others who come into contact with potentially infectious materials. They are also important in reducing the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings and the community.
