What potential body fluid exposures necessitate the use of PPE?

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is primarily necessary for exposure to blood and other bodily fluids because these fluids can contain infectious agents that pose a risk of transmission of diseases. Blood can carry pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and contact with it, or bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and amniotic fluid, can expose an individual to infections.

Proper use of PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, is critical in minimizing the risk of such exposures, thus protecting both the healthcare workers and patients. In contrast, exposures like sweat, saliva, sneeze droplets, or only contaminated dressings do not inherently carry the same level of risk for infection transmission as blood and other potentially infectious materials. Therefore, while standard precautions should always be observed, the highest level of precaution is warranted when dealing directly with blood and bodily fluids.