___ are potentially infectious.

___ are potentially infectious.

• A. Body fluids
• B. Blood
• C. Both a and b
• D. Neither a nor b

Answer: (C)

Infection control treats anything that could carry infectious agents as potentially infectious. Blood is a classic source because it can harbor bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis and HIV. But other body fluids can also carry pathogens, especially if they’re contaminated with blood or known to transmit infections in certain situations. So both blood and body fluids are considered potentially infectious materials. This is why precautions apply to exposure to either, and why handling and PPE guidelines cover both categories.

Infection control treats anything that could carry infectious agents as potentially infectious. Blood is a classic source because it can harbor bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis and HIV. But other body fluids can also carry pathogens, especially if they’re contaminated with blood or known to transmit infections in certain situations. So both blood and body fluids are considered potentially infectious materials. This is why precautions apply to exposure to either, and why handling and PPE guidelines cover both categories.