Universal precautions for the otolaryngologist: techniques and equipment for minimizing exposure risk

HIV infection transmitted from a patient to a surgeon is a real concern but a remote possibility. However, given the professional and personal impact of HIV seroconversion on a physician, preventive measures need to be instituted. The CDC has developed a policy of universal precautions to help to minimize this risk. We review various measures to institute this policy and other measures that can reduce exposure to HIV. These protocols, when instituted, can maximize safety for all health care professionals and their patients.