What is the primary objective of standard precautions in infection control?

The primary objective of standard precautions in infection control is to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens. This set of practices is designed to protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors from infections that can be spread through blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. Standard precautions apply to all patients, regardless of their infection status, and include measures such as the use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and proper handling of potentially contaminated materials.

These precautions are crucial in healthcare settings, as they establish a baseline level of infection control that helps prevent the spread of infections and ensures the safety of everyone involved. Emphasizing prevention rather than treatment or quarantine allows for a more effective and proactive approach to infection control. Additionally, while sterilization of medical instruments is an important aspect of infection control, it is a different process that specifically targets the elimination of all microorganisms from medical tools, rather than focusing on preventing transmission in the broader scope of care.