Why is it important to follow standard precautions in healthcare settings and BSL-2 laboratories?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the significance of adhering to standard precautions in healthcare and BSL-2 laboratory environments, focusing on safety measures, infection control, and the protection of both workers and patients.
Answer
Protects from infections and prevents infection spread.
Following standard precautions in healthcare and BSL-2 laboratories is important to protect healthcare providers and laboratory personnel from infections and prevent the spread of infectious agents. This involves use of personal protective equipment and adhering to safety protocols.
Answer for screen readers
Following standard precautions in healthcare and BSL-2 laboratories is important to protect healthcare providers and laboratory personnel from infections and prevent the spread of infectious agents. This involves use of personal protective equipment and adhering to safety protocols.
More Information
Standard precautions apply to all patient care and endeavors to create a barrier against infections. BSL-2 labs handle pathogens that present moderate risks, requiring specific safety measures to prevent laboratory-acquired infection.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming precautions are only necessary when there is a known infection, while they are essential at all times to address both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection.
Sources
- Standard Precautions | Environment, Health and Safety - Cornell EHS - ehs.cornell.edu
- Standard Precautions | Infection Control | CDC - cdc.gov
- Safe Handling of Infectious Agents - Biosafety In The Laboratory - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov