Universal Precautions

Universal Precautions should be followed on all specimen samples, regardless of whether a sample is known to contain an infectious agent. Laboratories handling specimen samples are advised to comply with applicable parts of the following government and clinical standards, or their equivalent in the country of use:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Universal Precautions for Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Other Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare Settings, published 1988, updated 2016
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), GP17-A3 Clinical Laboratory Safety; Approved Guideline - Third Edition, published 2012, ISBN 1-56238-798-7 (Electronic)
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), M29-A4 Protection of Laboratory Workers From Occupationally Acquired Infections, Fourth Edition, published 2014, ISBN 1-56238-962-9
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens
• International Standards Organization (ISO) 15190:2020, Medical Laboratories – Requirements for Safety