To ensure safety, how should all blood and body fluids be treated?

All blood and body fluids should be treated as potentially infectious to uphold safety standards in healthcare settings. This approach is guided by the principle of universal precautions, which emphasizes the need to protect both healthcare workers and patients from potential exposure to infectious diseases.

By considering all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, healthcare professionals put in place necessary protective measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns. This practice is critical because it mitigates the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including viruses and bacteria that could be present in any fluid.

Treating blood and body fluids in this manner is essential even if there are no visible signs of contamination or known diseases, as pathogens can be present without overt symptoms. This practice promotes a culture of safety and diligence, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken regardless of the perceived risk of infection.