When was Body Substance Isolation (BSI) introduced as an alternative to universal precautions?

Body Substance Isolation (BSI) was introduced in 1987 as an alternative to universal precautions. This approach was designed to address the limitations of universal precautions, which primarily focused on blood and specific body fluids. BSI emphasizes that all body substances, including saliva, urine, and respiratory secretions, should be treated as potentially infectious, regardless of the patient’s known status. This shift reflects an understanding of the varied routes through which infections can be transmitted in healthcare settings.

The introduction of BSI marked a significant evolution in infection control practices, aiming to enhance the safety of healthcare professionals and reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents. This method of infection control encouraged healthcare workers to adopt more comprehensive protective measures and maintain a higher standard of safety when interacting with all patients. Understanding this transition to BSI is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure they are fully equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and their patients from potential infections.