Infection Control TPJ3M Health Care Nicole Klement 2010

What is an infection? Examples: a) parasite (ex. Head-lice) b) A virus (ex. fever, body aches) c) A bacteria (ex. pus and swelling) d) All three

Answer D All three. The definition of an infection is: “A disease process where a micro-organism infects a person usually causing damage to the person”.

What is a Microorganism a) Tiny creatures and plants b) Tiny organs in our bodies c) Tiny living things found everywhere. d) Something harmful to people.

Answer C Tiny living things found everywhere. They can only be seen using a microscope. We are only concerned with Pathogenic microorganisms (those causing disease). Four main types:- 1. Bacteria 2. Virus 3. Fungus 4. Parasites

Examples of come Pathogenic Microorganisms

Bacteria MOST are Not bad. To survive they have four main requirements: Time Moisture Nutrients Temperature

Viruses Much smaller than bacteria Can only survive in a host cell Generally have poor survival in the environment Need close contact. Can mutate

Fungus Two types: 1. Mould 2. Yeasts

Parasites Head-lice Scabies Threadworm

Defence Hands are the main vehicle for transmission

Please Wash your hands…. Please take a moment and wash your hands at your desk……

Hand Hygiene Least frequently missed Most frequently missed Less frequently missed

Drying your hands It is important to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them because damp hands can collect, spread and become colonized with potentially infectious micro organisms. Drying hands also prevents damage to your skin – your first layer of defense.

Please get a set of gloves Please put on your gloves

Gloves The main functions of gloves are to: Protect the hands of the wearer from contamination with organic matter and microorganisms Protect the hands of the wearer from exposure to chemicals that may damage your skin Reduce cross infection by preventing the transfer of organisms from person to person

Glove Caution Be aware of the possibility of: A natural rubber latex allergy Never use plastic gloves for clinical tasks All gloves in health care must be non- powdered

Aprons Single use aprons are worn: For potential direct contact with blood or body fluids For direct contact with an infectious client and their environment When clothing is likely to become wet soiled or contaminated

Eye Protection Protects the eyes from splash or spray Should be worn when possibility of splash or spray of: body fluids, chemicals Aerosols

Sharps Use a biohazard sharps container: Do NOT disassemble needle/syringe Do NOT pass from hand to hand Do not overfill container Use lid if moving box Complete the label on the box and when full.

What should one do in the event of a Needle stick? a) Immediately suck injured site b) Prevent bleeding and cover site with dressing c) Wash area with soap and water d) Encourage bleeding under running water

Answer D Encourage bleeding under running water

Laundry Did you know: In order to decontaminate laundry effectively: It should be laundered using a detergent at or above 65degrees centigrade. If lower temperatures are required, use a product containing oxygen based bleaching agent or disinfectant.

Cleaning Products Cleaning products come in many different forms. In order to kill germs, it must say this on the bottle. Some will remove dirt and/or kill germs, again this is explained on the bottle.

Personal Hygiene Hands and Nails Skin, Cuts and Spots Nose, Mouth and Ears Hair Clothing Guts

Reminders Remember the underpinning knowledge of infection control: Common infections are caused my 4 microorganisms (virus, bacteria, fungus, parasites). Infection is most often transmitted by hands. Therefore the importance of correct hand hygiene and protective clothing as essential component in reducing cross-infection