What do Universal Precautions specifically target?

Universal Precautions specifically target body fluids because they are based on the principle that all blood and certain body fluids can potentially carry infectious agents, including bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis viruses. By focusing on body fluids, healthcare professionals can implement practices that reduce the risk of transmission of these infections, ensuring that they treat every patient as if they are potentially infectious.

While all bodily secretions and even contaminated surfaces are important considerations in infection control, Universal Precautions are particularly directed at managing the risk associated with body fluids because they are the primary agents of disease transmission in healthcare settings. Airborne pathogens, on the other hand, require different protocols such as respiratory precautions. Thus, the emphasis of Universal Precautions is on handling clinical procedures and situations involving body fluids safely to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient.