North Carolina Detention Officer Certification Exam 2025 – Complete Practice Guide

The concept that treats all blood and potentially infectious materials as if they are known to be infectious is referred to as universal precautions. This approach originated from the need to address the risk of bloodborne pathogens, like HIV and Hepatitis B, and emphasizes the importance of safety measures in environments where exposure could occur.

By adopting universal precautions, personnel are trained to always handle blood and bodily fluids with care, using appropriate protective gear such as gloves, gowns, and masks, regardless of the perceived risk of infection. This ensures consistent protection for both the healthcare provider and the individual, reducing the risk of transmission of diseases.

Standard precautions are a broader set of infection control practices that include universal precautions but also address a wider range of infections beyond just bloodborne pathogens. Biohazard refers to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. A crime scene represents a location where criminal activity has occurred and does not specifically address bloodborne disease control measures.