Muskingum University
New Concord, Ohio
Standard Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
PURPOSE
To minimize the risk of exposure to blood and body fluid and prevent transmission of Hepatitis
B, HIV, Hepatitis C and other bloodborne infections.
DEFINITION
Standard Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Standard
Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be
infectious for HIV, HBV, Hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens.
PROCEDURE
1. Standard blood and body fluid precautions will be observed by all Muskingum University
Wellness Center staff, Athletic Training staff, Campus Police staff, Residence Life staff,
Muskingum University Center for Child Development staff and Physical Plant staff.
a. Gloves shall be worn when there is a possibility of contact with blood, body fluids, nonintact skin, mucous membranes; when performing vascular access procedures or, when
handling or touching contaminated surfaces.
b.Gloves will be worn when handling specimens (i.e. collection or transport of blood to lab,
etc.).
c. Gloves are impervious, disposable, used one time, on one patient or one situation only.
d.Disposable single-use gloves shall not be washed or decontaminated for reuse.
e. Gloves do not replace hand washing.
2. Masks and protective eye wear are to be worn when aerosolization, splattering, splashes or
spraying of blood or potentially infectious materials is possible. Mucous membranes will
be flushed with water immediately following contact with blood or other potentially
infectious materials.
3. Gowns, aprons, and other protective body clothing shall be worn in occupational exposure
situations (if soiling is likely) and removed immediately or as soon as possible if penetrated
by blood or body fluids.
Standard Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
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4. Sharps are to be disposed of without bending or recapping and placed in the impervious,
puncture resistant containers. These containers are designed not to leak on the sides or
bottom, labeled with a biohazard label and have a snap-down lid closure.
5. a. Hands shall be washed before and after all contact with patients, or injured individuals.
b.Hands are washed immediately upon removing gloves.
c. Hands are washed with soap and water.
d.In situations where hand washing facilities are not available, a no-rinse hand cleaner will
be used.
e. When a no-rinse hand wash is used, hands shall be washed with soap and running water
as soon as possible and absolutely before contact with another individual.
6. Personal protective equipment is provided, serviced and replaced by the University at no cost
to the employee.
7. Any blood and/or body fluid spills, splashes or splatters shall be wiped up with gloves on, and
the area or surface cleaned up with freshly prepared 1:10 dilution of bleach and water.
8. Persons with skin lesions or dermatitis will refrain from direct care or equipment care unless
gloves are worn or the area can be covered.
9. Specimens shall be placed in containers designed not to leak. If leakage occurs, the specimen
container should be placed in a plastic bag and secured to prevent further leakage.