What is the primary purpose of standard precautions?

Question

Accepted Answer

To assume all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious regardless of patient diagnosis. Standard precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions may contain pathogens, regardless of the patient's diagnosis or whether an infection is known. This approach should be used with all patients at all times. It is not limited to only bloodborne pathogens or only known infections.