The use of gloves is intended to supplement, and not replace, handwashing or other existing infection control measures.

The effectiveness of Standard Precautions depends upon vigilant compliance by every healthcare worker. Because it is often not possible to know when an individual may be infectious, the use of Standard Precautions represents the best method to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission in the health care setting.

Standard Precautions are implemented automatically for every patient. No order is necessary.

Standard Precautions:

	Reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission of infectious agents from patient to patient.
	Protect healthcare workers from exposure to patients infected with bloodborne and non-bloodborne pathogens.
	Protect patients from exposure to infected health care workers.