What is the main purpose of universal precautions?

The main purpose of universal precautions is to prevent infection transmission. Universal precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure to infections through blood and other potentially infectious materials. This approach assumes that all blood and certain bodily fluids are potentially infectious, which emphasizes the importance of using appropriate protective measures, such as gloves and masks, when interacting with all patients. By adhering to these precautions, healthcare providers reduce the risk of spreading infections, thereby maintaining a safer environment for both patients and providers.

While treating all patients equally and ensuring patient comfort are important aspects of healthcare, they do not specifically address the primary goal of preventing infection transmission. Identifying contagious diseases may help in controlling outbreaks, but it is not the fundamental principle of universal precautions. The focus remains on minimizing the risk of exposure to infectious agents.