Infection Control 111 Methods

Objectives Follow protocols for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids as required Place appropriate signs when and where appropriate Remove spills in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands before and after client contact and/or after any activity likely to cause contamination Follow hand washing procedures Cover cuts and abrasions with water-proof dressings and change as necessary Wear PPE Demarcate and maintain clean and contaminated areas Confine records, materials and instruments to a designated clean zone Separate waste and dispose of into appropriate containers

Hand washing When? Commencing work Between patients After the toilet After blowing nose Before eating Before procedures On finishing work

Hand washing Technique Wet hands before applying soap Use cool water Use friction to cleanse Rinse well Pat dry moisturiser

Alcohol based rubs Significantly reduces the number of germs on the skin Fast acting Cause less skin irritation than soap Clean without water have a moisturiser in them

Skin Integrity Microorganisms live on healthy skin Harmless unless there is a break in the skin Breaks can be caused by Dryness Cuts and punctures trauma

PPE Gloves Barrier to protect hands from contamination Prevent transfer of microorganisms Non-sterile to be used whenever there is risk of contact with body fluids Should never be rewashed or reused Refer to organisation policies

Gloves

Infection Pathogens thrive under long nails and jewellery Risk of infection to patients Jewellery and nails may rip gloves Keep nails short and clean Be aware when washing hands

latex Product used in many medical supplies, including gloves Can develop an allergy over time Red, itchy, dermatitis Consider latex free gloves Can also use latex free tourniquets

Eye Protection Should be worn during procedures where blood or body fluids may be splashed Should always be worn when cleaning up blood spills

Footwear Should be enclosed to protect against injury or fluids

Single Use Needles, syringes, tube holders, tubes should all be single use and disposable Always check expiry dates and integrity of packaging If you drop something on the floor, dispose of it

Sharps Major cause of injury in venepuncture Should be handled carefully at all times Never pass from person to person Never put down Always straight into sharps container Never recap Never bend a needle

Blood Spills Each organisation will have a policy Learn where this is kept Always use standard precautions Use PPE Consider size and nature of spill Consider likely pathogens involved Consider type of surface Correct waste disposal

Needle stick Injury Dispose of sharp immediately into sharps container Run wound under cool water, keep flushing Cover with clean dressing Report Keep patient there, they may need another blood test