Prevent Disease…. …………….Wash your Hands

The Most common mode of transmission of pathogens is from your hands!

Handwashing Major aspect of standard precautions Remember the times hands should be washed Before and after patient contact When visibly dirty Before and after donning gloves

CDC: Writes the rules for standard precautions Basis All patients pose a risk to healthcare workers Every body fluid must be considered a potential for infection

Standard Precautions OSHA In 1991 OSHA established the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard To protect Healthcare workers you must be provided PPE You must be offered Hep B vaccine for free you must be given a free medical evaluation if you are exposed accidentally

PPE (personal protective equipment)

Gowns help prevent contamination of clothing use for any procedure that might cause splashing or spraying Examples: delivering a baby, surgical procedures and suctioning.

GLOVES Whenever in contact with blood or body fluids When handling contaminated items When performing invasive procedures If there are breaks in the skin

Additional PPE Masks and Protective eyewear worn for any procedure that might cause splashing or spraying Use only once and discard Change every 30 minutes

Methods of infection control (1) Autoclave (Sterilization) uses steam under pressure or gas most efficient method items are washed before wrapping indicators on or inside wrap time period varies items must dry before removal items remain sterile for 30 days

Sterile technique Use for invasive procedures sterile dressing changes etc. Sterile fields can be created with towels (2 inch border) Never reach across the sterile field Different methods drop mitten forceps

Methods of Infection Control (cont) 2. chemicals (disinfection) may not kill spores or viruses disinfects (not sterilize) i.e. alcohol, bleach 3. ultrasonic units (cavitations)

ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS

Maintaining Isolation Four classifications reverse (protective) Airborne (droplets remain suspended) droplet (large particles expelled during coughing) contact (GI, Resp., skin, wound)

BIOHAZARDS Sharp objects dispose of in sharps containers puncture resistant Spills wipe up immediately if more than 50cc use a spill kit Use of biohazard trash bags when items are soiled with blood