The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns about the safety of laboratory personnel who handle tissue samples that harbor pathogens, including those performing autopsies. While pathologists have performed autopsies on infected decedents for centuries, universal precaution protocols for limiting exposure to pathogens were not developed until the 20th century. This article reviews the history and effectiveness of universal precautions, with an emphasis on performing autopsies on COVID-19 decedents.
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