Hospital-acquired infections result in significant morbidity and mortality,and contribute to escalating health care costs. Dialysis units are at higher riskof nosocomial infection. Infections, including bacteremia, are the secondleading cause of death among hemodialysis patients. Bacteremia andlocalized infections of the vascular access site are common in hemodialysispatients. Exposure to blood-borne pathogens, specifically hepatitis C (HCV),Hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a seriousrisk for HD patients and employees. There is always the risk of transmissionof these pathogens. Standard Precautions (formerly Universal Precautions)need to be rigidly observed in the HD facility.