What do universal precautions refer to in a clinical setting?

Universal precautions refer to a set of guidelines aimed at preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents in a clinical setting. The core principle is treating all blood and certain body fluids as if they are infectious, regardless of the patient's known status. This approach emphasizes the importance of avoiding direct contact with patients' body fluids, which is critical for protecting both healthcare providers and patients from potential infections.

While handwashing, using personal protective equipment such as masks and goggles, and sanitizing equipment are all essential infection control measures, they fall under the broader umbrella of universal precautions rather than defining it. Universal precautions specifically highlight the importance of minimizing exposure to body fluids, thus making this choice the most accurate representation of the term in a clinical context.