What practices are based on the principle that all body fluids may contain transmissible infectious agents?

The principle that all body fluids may contain transmissible infectious agents is foundational to Standard Precautions. This set of practices is designed to protect healthcare workers and patients by assuming that every patient’s blood and bodily fluids are potentially infectious. Standard Precautions encompass a range of measures, including hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps and waste, among others.

By adopting this approach, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of infection transmission in various healthcare settings, regardless of the patient's known infection status. This preventive mindset is crucial in minimizing the potential spread of pathogens, especially in environments where exposure to bodily fluids is common.

Infection Control Protocols may refer to broader strategies that include Standard Precautions but do not specifically focus on the universal approach to all body fluids. Personal Protective Equipment is an important component within the framework of Standard Precautions, but it alone does not encompass all the practices required to ensure safety. Isolation Procedures are used for patients with known infections or specific conditions and do not operate on the principle of universal precautions like Standard Precautions do.