Standard Precautions

Quick Reference

Standard Precautions are infection-prevention practices applied to all residents, regardless of known or suspected infection.

Hand Hygiene: Before and after resident contact, after potential contamination, and after removing gloves.
PPE: Select gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection based on anticipated exposure.
Respiratory Hygiene: Cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, and perform hand hygiene.
Equipment & Environment: Clean and disinfect shared equipment and contaminated surfaces.
Linen & Waste: Handle contaminated materials to minimize exposure and transmission.
Sharps & Injection Safety: Follow safe injection and sharps-handling procedures when applicable to authorized duties.
Resident Placement: Follow infection-control guidance when additional transmission risks exist.

Anticipated Exposure	Protection
Blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, or potentially contaminated materials	Gloves
Possible contamination of clothing or exposed skin	Gown
Risk of splashes or sprays affecting eyes, nose, or mouth	Appropriate mask and eye or face protection

Additional PPE may be necessary depending on isolation requirements.

Standard Precautions apply to every resident.
Gloves never replace hand hygiene.
Change gloves between residents and when moving from contaminated to clean tasks as appropriate.
Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
Follow facility policies and posted precautions.
Use Transmission-Based Precautions when indicated in addition to Standard Precautions.

To whom do Standard Precautions apply?01-foundations / reference-guidelines

Answer

All patients, regardless of known infection status.

When should PPE selection be based on anticipated exposure?03-application / reference-guidelines

Answer

Before care, based on expected contact with blood, fluids, or infectious materials.