Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS What are Universal Precautions? Universal precautions, are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, should be followed by all health care workers to protect themselves against infection with HIV, HBV and other Bloodborne viruses and microbes. Under Universal Precautions guidelines, the use of gloves, gowns, mask, and/or goggles is recommended as appropriate to the situation. What Body Fluids Do Universal Precautions Apply To? Universal Precautions apply to all blood and other body fluids. Universal Precautions also apply to: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovia fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, and mucous membranes. DO’s AND DON’Ts OF UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS DO wash your hands with soap, running water, and friction prior to patient contact, immediately following patient contact, between patients, and after removing gloves. Wash hands immediately after contact with blood or any body fluids to which universal precautions apply. DO wear gloves when coming in contact with blood, body fluids DO wear gloves when handling contaminated articles: lab specimens, dressings, linen, etc. DO protect yourself from potentially infectedmaterials by wearing gloves if you have any minor cuts, scratches or dermatitis of the hands. DO wear masks, gowns, and/or goggles in addition to gloves, to protect yourself during procedures which may involve splashing of blood and/or contaminated body fluids. DO prevent injuries from needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments. DO place used disposable syringes, needles, and sharp items into a puncture-resistant container. DO clean all blood and body fluids spills promptly. Use detergent and water followed by a disinfecting solution of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water. DO dispose of articles (used gloves, dressings, bandages, etc.) contaminated with blood or body fluids into a plastic bag. Close the bag tightly, place into a second plastic bag, and discard into a plastic lined trash can. DO treat al linen and clothing soiled with blood or body fluids (to which universal precautions apply) as infectious. DO wear gloves and gown when removing such linen or clothing. DO place the soiled articles into a plastic bag and later wash the articles in hot water (160 degrees F) with detergent for 25 minutes. DON’T Recap used needles DON’T behind or break used needles DON’T disregard an accidental needle stick or other exposure such as a splash to the eyes or mouth. What is AIDS? AIDS is a Bloodborne and sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. The letters AIDS stand for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. When a person is infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (or HIV), the immune system is damaged. Without the body’s natural defenses against disease, the person with AIDS is vulnerable to other infectious agents and can develop life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, cancer, and meningitis. How is AIDS Transmitted? Home Health Agency Policies A-53