[Standard precautions: are these known? Are they applied?].

A study carried out among postgraduate nurses detected a high degree of confusion regarding standard precautions. This led to the formation of a multidisciplinary group from various sections of the health system to investigate this topic in greater detail. Our study observed a high degree of conceptual confusion and a lack of knowledge about standard precautions and the new recommendations regarding decontamination and hand washing in diverse health collectives. It is worrisome to detect at risk habits in relation to self-protective measures among one-third of those surveyed. Knowledge of standard precautions should be integrated with greater efficiency in the medical study programs as well as in continuing professional development programs for health professionals.