Blood can contain pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and the human immunodeficiency virus (or HIV). It is essential to regard all biological evidence as potentially infectious and to follow universal safety precautions. 

Those precautions include the following:

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and face masks.
• Avoid eating, applying cosmetics or any hand to face contact (especially mouth and eye).
• Use implements and wear puncture resistant gloves to handle objects that may be dangerous, such as broken glass. Ensure safe packaging is used.
• Identify biohazardous evidence material and packaging in containers with appropriate labeling.

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