Which term describes the approach to infection control that treats all bodily fluids (except sweat) as potentially infectious?

The term that describes the approach to infection control treating all bodily fluids (except sweat) as potentially infectious is universal precautions. This concept was established to safeguard healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. By considering all bodily fluids potentially infectious, universal precautions stress the importance of using protective measures such as gloves, masks, and proper waste disposal to minimize exposure to any body substance that could carry infectious agents.

While standard precautions have since evolved from universal precautions and encompass not only blood and bodily fluids but also emphasize hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in all healthcare settings, the focus on treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious aligns with the foundational principle of universal precautions. This ensures that healthcare workers maintain a consistently safe approach regardless of perceived risk, thereby reducing the likelihood of exposure to infections.

Specific precautions and contact precautions refer to targeted measures for particular situations or types of pathogens, rather than the universal and broad approach of treating all fluids with caution.