According to infection control practices, how should all human remains be treated regarding contagions?

Universal precautions are a set of infection control practices that treat all human remains as potentially infectious, regardless of the known or suspected health status of the deceased. This approach emphasizes the importance of protecting both funeral personnel and the public from potential exposure to pathogens that may be present.

By employing universal precautions, funeral service professionals utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, to minimize the risk of transmission. This ensures a consistent and safe handling process for all human remains and reduces the likelihood of infection resulting from exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or other infectious materials associated with the deceased.

Other methods, while beneficial in specific contexts, do not encompass the holistic, precautionary approach that universal precautions provide. For example, standard sterilization may not adequately address the unique risks associated with handling human remains, and minimal handling, while reducing exposure risk, does not incorporate the protective measures that universal precautions do. Similarly, strict supervision may refer to monitoring practices but does not establish a comprehensive framework for infection prevention that includes appropriate protective actions.