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Do you consistently use universal precautions?

  • A Core Competency in the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs)

Consider...

Nicole works in a small health clinic doing sexual health counselling and STI prevention education. One day when the clinic is really busy, she is asked to help out with labeling of blood samples. Though Nicole is eager to assist her colleagues, she struggles to recall her training on universal precautions.

Do you work in the area of sexual health or STBBI prevention and support? Do you consistently use universal precautions to reduce exposure to blood and other bodily fluids and in turn prevent the spread of infection?

Use the questions below to help you self-assess your knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices related to universal precautions. Remember that depending on your role, you may require different levels of proficiency for the various core competencies and it is possible that some of the competencies are not relevant to your work.

  1. Do you know when to use universal precautions to prevent the spread of infection?
  2. Does your organization have clear and readily accessible policies and procedures on universal precautions? Does it review these with staff on a regular basis?
  3. How can using universal precautions reduce stigma and increase privacy for clients?
  4. Can you name five universal precautions to prevent the spread of blood-borne infections in the workplace?
  5. Do you know how to help clients feel comfortable when you are applying universal precautions?
  6. Do you know what to do if you are concerned you have come into contact with a potential source of infectious disease?

Suggested resources:

This is one of a series of cases on the core competencies for STBBI prevention. View all 26 cases on the core competencies for STBBI prevention.

Have a resource to suggest? Let us know.