The prevention and control of infections is an important component of health care. Standard Precautions must be used for handling of blood or body fluids on all patients whether or not the patient is on Isolation Precautions. A physician's order must be obtained when a patient is placed on or removed from precautions.
Patients also have a responsibility for complying with isolation precautions.
Physicians and nurses should explain the appropriate measures to the patient. An important general patient responsibility is handwashing after touching infective material and potentially contaminated articles. Infractions of the isolation protocol by a few are sufficient to negate the conscientious efforts of many. This section contains general information essential to understanding and properly using the specific techniques when they are indicated. Many of the recommendations for precautions are appropriate not only for patients known or suspected to be infected but also for routine patient care.