Infection Control and Medical Asepsis Chapter 36 Infection Control and Medical Asepsis

Infection Control Infection control is an ongoing aspect of working in health care What is asepsis? The state of being free from pathogenic microorganisms

Microorganisms Some microorganisms are helpful and necessary Normal flora: A balance of microorganisms that provide a natural immunity against certain infections Some microorganisms cause disease; these are called pathogens

Microorganisms Requirements to sustain life and facilitate growth and development: Oxygen pH Temperature Nutrients Water A host to inhabit

Preventing Disease Transmission Communicable Diseases Review Table 36-1 Learn these common diseases, their means of transmission, incubation times, symptoms, and treatments

The Infection Cycle

Infectious Agents Bacteria Viruses Fungi Parasites Ricksettiae

Reservoir or Source Person who, or object that, becomes infected Examples: People, equipment, food, water, insects Allows the infectious agent to survive, grow, and multiply

Portal of Exit Exit from the reservoir (source) that allows the infectious agent to be transmitted Secretions, excretions, body fluids

Means of Transmission How the infectious agent travels through the portal of exit into a susceptible individual Can occur through direct or indirect contact Direct: touching, eating, drinking Indirect: inhalation, vector, fomite

Susceptible Host One that is capable of being infected Disease-fighting capabilities are lowered May be due to poor health or hygiene Individuals who are elderly, frail, immunosuppressed, or have a chronic disease are particularly susceptible

Infectious Disease Process Incubation Prodromal Acute Declining Convalescent

Immunity Immunity is best when your body is in a state of good physical, emotional, and mental health

The Body’s Defense Mechanisms Nutrition and exercise Proper rest Good hygiene habits Respiratory tract Cilia Coughing and sneezing Tears, sweat, urine Hydrochloric acid in stomach

Infection Control in the Medical Office Patient education Proper cleaning Practice Universal and Standard Precautions Follow OSHA guidelines The blood-borne pathogen standard Complete an incident report after potential exposures

Hand Washing The most effective way to eliminate many diseases!

Hand Washing Appropriate times to perform hand washing Before and after seeing patients Before and after using the restroom Before and after handling specimens or soiled/contaminated materials After removing gloves Hand washing versus surgical scrub Using an alcohol-based rub

Gloving Necessary when exposed to blood or bodily fluids Provides a barrier protection Reduces the transfer of pathogens Not a substitute for hand washing

Applying Other PPE Selecting the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for potential exposure is key Direct hand contact exposure Gloves Potential splashes, sprays, or droplets Gowns or labcoats, safety glasses, face shields Airborne transmission Face shields or masks

Sanitization Apply gloves before sanitizing objects Washing and scrubbing to remove materials Rinse in cool water Soak in detergent Wash with brush Rinse thoroughly Dry

Disinfection Items are placed in chemical solutions to kill disease-producing microorganisms Used on objects only

Sterilization Process that destroys all forms of living organisms Sterilization by autoclave Chemical sterilization Dry heat sterilization

Autoclaving Sanitize articles Wrap articles to be autoclaved Several items may be wrapped together, with gauze square between Take caution not to wrap too loosely or tightly May use envelope packaging Use indicator tape or device to ensure quality control

Wrap Items for Autoclaving

Autoclaving Follow manufacturer’s directions for operating the autoclave

Chemical Sterilization Used for sharp items and instruments that would otherwise dull; rubber or vinyl items that cannot withstand autoclaving heat Cover item completely with solution; soak for a minimum 10 hours or manufacturer’s guidelines

Dry Heat Sterilization Used for sterilizing sharp instruments Time consuming, takes 1-2 hours at a high temperature