<p>Universal precautions is the term used to describe practices taken to reduce the spread of blood borne viruses. It relates to the handling of contaminated equipment and material in such a manner as to prevent the transmission of infection to patients and healthcare workers. Other terms used to describe the concept of universal precautions include: safe working practices (Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) 1995): blood and body fluid precautions (Centers for Disease Control 1987); and standard precautions (Garner and Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) 1996).</p>