What principle is applied when treating human blood and OPIMs as potentially infectious?

The principle of treating human blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIMs) as potentially infectious is known as Universal Precautions. This approach is foundational in reducing the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens in healthcare settings and other environments where exposure to such materials may occur.

By applying Universal Precautions, individuals are guided to assume that all blood and bodily fluids are infectious. This practice emphasizes the use of appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and gowns when there is a potential for exposure. Moreover, it requires careful handling and disposal of materials contaminated with blood or OPIMs to further minimize risks.

This principle is crucial for protecting both healthcare providers and patients from infections, ensuring that safety protocols are in place regardless of a patient's known infection status. Such an approach contrasts with other options like designated first aid care, which may not universally apply protective measures across all potential hazards, or basic sanitation practices, which focus more on cleanliness rather than assuming potential infection status. Infection control strategies generally encompass a broader range of guidelines and may not specifically address the action of treating all blood and OPIMs as if they are infectious, as Universal Precautions does.