Chapter 5 Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens

The Infection Cycle Infection cycle: chain of events allowing a pathogen to infect a host: Pathogen is present Reservoir host Portal of exit Route of transmission Portal of entry Susceptible host 2

Breaking the Chain of Infection Spread of disease can be stopped by removing any link in the chain Kill the bacteria before it enters the host. Change the environment in which the bacteria lives. If it needs moisture, keep the area clean and dry. If it requires certain temperature, raise the temperature to kill the bacteria. 3

Preventing the Spread of Infection Wash hands frequently. Wear gloves and other protective clothing (e.g., gowns, goggles, masks). When the possibility of exposure to blood or other bodily fluid exists When working on patients who may be infectious 4

Preventing the Spread of Infection Keep immunizations up-to-date, especially hepatitis vaccinations. Keep uniforms clean and dry. Keep braces and pads clean and dry. Shower after all games and practices, and use a clean, dry towel. 5

Preventing the Spread of Infection Do not share bar soaps, razors, or anything that comes in contact with you unless it has been cleaned properly. Make sure equipment is cleaned properly. 6

Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique) Refers to practices and procedures that are designed to ensure a clean environment by removing or destroying disease-causing microorganisms 7

Steps in Clean Technique Perform adequate hand washing. Wear a clean uniform. Do not touch your face with your hands after working with a patient. Hold contaminated items away from your body. 8

Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique) Sterile technique is used: Whenever the skin is broken open When a normally sterile body cavity is entered During the treatment of open wounds To decontaminate items between patients 9

Hand Washing: The Key to Clean Technique Hand washing must be done at the following times: When first arriving at work Before performing each medical procedure on a patient During a procedure if hands become contaminated 10

Hand Washing: The Key to Clean Technique Hand washing must be done at the following times: Between each patient for whom medical care is provided After using the restroom After removing gloves Before eating Use hand sanitizer where facilities for proper hand washing are not available. 11

Using Gloves to Protect Yourself and Others Wear gloves whenever blood or body fluids are present, or if there is potential for them to be present. Carry the gloves with you at all times when on duty. You will always need to remove your contaminated gloves correctly and dispose of them properly. 12

Removing Blood-Stained Clothing Remove blood-stained clothing from the body as soon as possible. Hold stained clothing away from the body. Hydrogen peroxide and other blood-removal products can be used to remove blood from clothing. 13

Removing Blood-Stained Clothing Remove a bloody shirt from an athlete by rolling it up to conceal the bloody area. Then, carefully pull it over the head, avoiding contact with the head. If these methods fail, clothing may need to be cut from the body to reduce risk of contamination. 14

Removing Blood-Stained Clothing If the blood stain is removed, the athlete may return to play in that piece of clothing. Note that removal of the red stain does not guarantee removal of the contaminants. Final decision is up to the sports medicine professional and the officials 15

Avoiding Contaminated Sharps All needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp objects should be disposed of in the proper puncture-resistant container. Colors of these containers may vary; most of them will be either red or beige. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper filling, sealing, and disposal of this container. 16

Reducing the Risk of Puncture Wounds Never recap, bend, or manually remove a dirty needle. Always deposit the entire syringe and needle or sharp object in the puncture-resistant container. 17

Reducing the Risk of Puncture Wounds Immediately clean a puncture wound with alcohol and betadine and cover the wound. Report the incident to a supervisor or instructor. 18

Reducing the Risk of Puncture Wounds Never carry needles or sharp objects from one location to another with the tips pointing toward other people or yourself. Point them toward the floor. 19

Hepatitis Hepatitis is a disease that results in inflammation of the liver. Many different agents can cause hepatitis. Two most common types that can be contracted from patients and transmitted (transferred) to another are hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) 20

HIV and AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Transmission of HIV in athletics is minimal Follow Universal Precautions 21

Universal Precautions Wear gloves whenever contact with blood, body secretions, or broken skin may occur. Do not re-use gloves! Wear protective eyewear and a mask during any procedures that may expose you to splattering blood or other body fluids. 22

Universal Precautions Wear disposable gowns if blood or body fluids may splatter. Thoroughly wash your hands and other skin surfaces immediately following contamination. 23

Universal Precautions Avoid giving direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; instead, use the mouth-to-mask method, resuscitator bags, and other available equipment. Keep an airway nearby when working in a health care environment. Avoid direct patient contact if you have open wounds or other skin conditions. 24

Universal Precautions Wash your hands after each patient contact and after removing gloves. Carefully and properly dispose of all sharp objects (needles, scalpel blades, etc.) in appropriate puncture-resistant containers. Do not recap, bend, break, or manually remove needles! 25

Universal Precautions If stuck by a used needle, clean the area with betadine, fill out the necessary forms to notify supervisors of the needle stick, and get a blood test for hepatitis and AIDS. 26

Skin Infections Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); “super bug” Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) Tinea corporis (ringworm) Herpes Papillomavirus (warts) Impetigo If an unfamiliar skin condition is encountered, play it safe and send the affected individual to a physician. 27

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration Main federal agency in charge of the enforcement of safety and health legislation Enacted Occupations Safety and Health Act in 1970 Provides enforcement, assistance, cooperation 28

OSHA Promotes workplace safety and health Completes worksite inspections Establishes rights and responsibilities for employees and employers Establishes record-keeping and reporting requirements for employers Develops training plans for occupational safety and health personnel 29