Facts and definitions:

Biological hazards are present in all human and animal tissues and body fluids.

The "normal" research activities carried out in a blood laboratory expose workers to human blood, urine, sweat, semen, saliva and muscle tissue.

For the purpose of assessing risk, we assume that all volunteers to our clinical studies are not normal healthy individuals, and take appropriate precautions.

We remain aware at all times that increased knowledge of disease transmission and occupational hazards may result in situations currently considered safe to be reclassified as having risk.

"Universal Precautions" describes a set of procedures for dealing with subjects based on the assumption that they are positive for blood borne pathogens. Other precautions are necessary to prevent exposure to potential respiratory diseases.