Most healthcare workers who became infected with HIV on the job, became infected through needlestick injuries. There were another 114 healthcare workers who possibly became infected on the job. Most of these 114 workers were nurses, lab technicians, paramedics, and other health professionals. Wearing a gown anytime there is a potential for body fluids to get onto a healthcare workers clothing. Re-capping needles significantly increases the risk of needlestick injuries.
Universal precautions applies to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis.
The key to universal precautions is that barrier precautions are always taken if there is any potential for a patients body fluids to have an access to the healthcare workers body. Most healthcare workers who became infected on the job were not adequately practicing established infection control guidelines. In regard to laws allowing doctors to ask their patients to be tested, this can vary from state to state, and from country to country. You will need to contact your local state or provincial health department, regarding what laws exist in your area, regarding this issue. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material.