There are standard precautions used in medical environments when dealing with patients regardless of their infectious state or perceived risk to the health of others. The standard precautions apply to the handling of:
•Blood
•Dried blood
•Saliva
•All other bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions
•Non-intact skin
•Mucous membranes
The precautions staff must take when dealing with these substances include the following:
1. Wear latex gloves and use disposable hand towels to clean up blood spills or any other bodily substances.
2. Place the contamination in a biohazard waste container.
3. Clean the area thoroughly with detergent and apply undiluted disinfectant.
4. Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.