*Reminder* Bloodborne Pathogens: Universal Precautions

Bloodborne Pathogens: Universal Precautions

Your practice must always observe and comply with the concept of "Universal Precautions." Your employees must be instructed to treat all patients, all blood, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as if infected with HIV, hepatitis B or C, and/or any other diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens.

Because it is not possible to identify patients with bloodborne diseases by standard medical procedures (such as medical history, laboratory tests, appearance, or physical examination), blood and OPIM of all patients treated in your office must be handled as if infectious. There must be no exceptions to this policy. All employees must practice Universal Precautions.