What is categorized as the first tier of infection control precautions?

The first tier of infection control precautions is categorized as standard precautions. Standard precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings and are applicable to all patients, regardless of their infection status. This approach integrates the principles of universal precautions and additional measures, as it encompasses not only blood and bodily fluids but also the potential presence of pathogens in other materials, such as respiratory secretions, skin, and mucous membranes.

By implementing standard precautions, healthcare professionals are trained to treat all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, which emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks, and proper handling of sharps and contaminated materials. These measures form the foundational strategy for infection prevention and control, ensuring that all patients receive safe and effective care while minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.