Dianne M. Iberg MT(ASCP), SH Infection Control Dianne M. Iberg MT(ASCP), SH

Learning Objectives 1. Define the terms: After completion of this unit, the student should be able to: 1. Define the terms: Nosocomial Infection Biohazard Pathogen 2. Describe the process of proper handwashing. 3. Describe the chain of infection and explain how it relates to infection control 4. Explain the various types of isolation. 4/24/2017

Definitions Pathogen Nosocomial Infection Aseptic an organism which causes disease Nosocomial Infection an infection acquired in a health care setting Aseptic without germs, practices which decrease the number of germs present 4/24/2017

Chain of Infection Proper Immunization Proper Nutrition Adequate Exercise Adequate Rest Proper Medications Host Reservoir Source Means Of Exit Host Susceptible To stop the spread of germs, we must break the chain Handwashing Aseptic Technique Protective Barriers Isolation Means Of Entrance Means Of Transfer 4/24/2017

Cleanliness Proper handwashing is the single most effective step in preventing the spread of disease. Keeping work areas properly decontaminated helps prevent the spread of infectious organisms REMEMBER – Anything which touches a contaminated surface should be considered contaminated 4/24/2017

Clean areas Areas designated to be kept free of specimens and contaminated materials Break room Cafeteria Bathrooms 4/24/2017

Proper Hand washing Technique Turn on water with towel and discard towel Wet hands under running water and add about a teaspoon of soap Keep hands pointed down and work soap into a lather Continue to work lather over all surfaces of hands and wrist (front, back, sides and between fingers) for 30 second to 2 minutes At least the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Be certain to clean under nails With fingers pointed down, rinse hands under running water. Dry hands thoroughly and turn off water with towel 4/24/2017

PPE Personal Protective Equipment Gloves Gown (lab coat) Eyewear Goggles Face shields Masks Shoes 4/24/2017

Gloves Wear whenever handling patients or patient samples Change gloves when they become soiled and between patients Do NOT touch clean items with gloves or wear gloves in “clean” areas Wash hands after removing gloves 4/24/2017

Gowns/Lab Coats Should be moisture resistant Should cover from neck to knee Wear while in contact with patients and patient samples Do NOT wear in clean areas 4/24/2017

Eyewear Wear when there is a risk of splash into the eyes 4/24/2017

Masks Wear when you suspect aerolization of the specimen Wear when exposed to a patient with contagious respiratory disease 4/24/2017

Bloodborne Pathogens Currently, HIV and Hepatitis are the major diseases of concern. These viruses are present in blood and other bodily secretions It is recommended that all healthcare workers be immunized against Hepatitis B There is currently no vaccine for HIV The greatest danger for transmission is the handling of contaminated sharps. 4/24/2017

CDC Universal Precautions Treat all patient specimens as if they are capable of transmitting diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis 4/24/2017

CDC Tier One Standard Precautions Practices to be followed regardless of patient diagnosis or disease. What a patient is diagnosed with and what they have may be different things. Promotes use of hand washing and proper use of PPE to decrease transmission of disease through body fluids Applies to Blood All body fluid (except sweat) Nonintact skin Mucous Membranes 4/24/2017

CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions Strict Isolation Highly Contagious Diseases Private, closed room Gown, masks, gloves Dispose of all equipment in patient room 4/24/2017

CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions Enteric Isolation Intestinal Pathogens Gown, gloves Special waste containers in room 4/24/2017

CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions Contact Isolation Spread by Direct Contact Gown, gloves, mask 4/24/2017

CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions Respiratory Isolation Spread by airborne droplets Closed private room Gloves, mask 4/24/2017

CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions Protective Isolation Reverse Isolation Patient at risk Gown, gloves, mask 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Avoid contaminating the outside of containers during specimen collection and handling. Lids should be securely fastened. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety No application of cosmetics (including lip balm), eating or drinking is permitted in the lab. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Wear PPE correctly as needed. Change contaminated PPE immediately 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Use proper caution when handling needles and other sharps. No bending, breaking or recapping of needles. Discard all sharps in puncture proof containers 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Decontaminate work surfaces after work is completed or when contamination occurs. Use a 1:10 dilution of bleach or other approved germicide. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Wash hands after removing gloves, between patients and ALWAYS before leaving lab. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Do not store personal items in contaminated areas. Don’t keep your lunch in the lab refrigerator 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Do not store personal items in contaminated areas. Don’t keep your lunch in the lab refrigerator Don’t handle your cell phone with dirty hands 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Shoes should be comfortable, rubber soled and cover the entire foot. No sandals, open-toed shoes or clogs. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Long hair should be secured away from the face to keep it from falling into the work area. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Avoid excessive jewelry. 4/24/2017

General Rules of Lab Safety Nails should be neatly trimmed. Excessively long nails may interfere with performance of tasks and may harbor germs. 4/24/2017

Laboratory Safety BE ALERT BE OBSERVANT BE CAREFUL BE CLEAN 4/24/2017