What is the term for treating all human blood as if it were infectious?

The term for treating all human blood as if it were infectious is known as Universal Precautions. This set of guidelines was developed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and emphasizes the importance of assuming that all blood and certain body fluids are potentially infectious, regardless of the perceived risk. This approach is crucial in maintaining safety and ensuring that healthcare workers consistently apply the same level of precaution irrespective of the patient's known health status.

Universal Precautions reinforce the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when there is a possibility of exposure to blood or certain body fluids. This reduces the risk of transmission of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

While Standard Precautions is also a term used in infection control practices, it is broader and encompasses not just blood but all body fluids and secretions, regardless of the presence of visible blood. Infection Control refers to a comprehensive set of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of spreading infections in healthcare settings, and Biohazard Safety pertains more to the handling and disposal of hazardous biological materials rather than the specific practice of treating blood as potentially infectious.