What do Standard Precautions assume about all human blood and body fluids?

Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices aimed at ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients by treating all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious, regardless of the perceived health status of the individual. This approach is based on the understanding that pathogens can be present even when symptoms are not obvious, and thus, it is crucial to act as if all specimens could harbor infectious agents.

By treating all blood and body fluids as infectious, phlebotomists and other healthcare workers minimize the risk of transmission of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This practice involves using personal protective equipment (PPE), proper hand hygiene, and safe handling and disposal methods for sharps and contaminated materials. This mindset underscores the importance of precaution in maintaining safety and prevents complacency, which can lead to oversight in infection control protocols.

The other options do not align with this understanding of Standard Precautions. It is important to acknowledge that no body fluids are to be assumed pathogen-free, that they can indeed pose risks, and that they require careful handling to ensure health and safety.