Prudence demands that these cases are best done last on the list for the day. The Universal precautions described in the CDC documents 9 form the basis of the following recommendations. These precautions have to be applied to every single patient, at all times . While the principles are maintained, the recommendations take into account the socio-economic and medical situation in our country and suitable modifications have been incorporated. Washing Hands - One of the most important requirements and the one that is most commonly ignored is washing hands, before and after a procedure on a patient.
Doctors seem to be the most culpable.
Strict adherence to washing hands with ordinary soap, clearly reduces the risk of transmission of HIV and many other infectious agents 10 . 2. Wearing Gloves - A pair of disposable plastic gloves have to be worn whenever the potential for a contact with the patient's body fluid exists. At surgery, where there is a risk of injury from sharp objects, double gloving with good quality latex gloves are recommended. Fortified gloves that reduce chances of injury from sharps are not universally available and are also expensive 11 . The cap and mask protect the head and face from being exposed to spillage.