Infection Control Lesson 2: Universal Precautions and Aseptic Techniques

Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to … Perform the steps to follow concerning standard precautions. Define medical asepsis. Perform the correct procedure for hand washing.

History of Precautionary Guidelines 1970 – CDC published a manual of isolation techniques 1985 – Universal precautions developed

History of Precautionary Guidelines 1996 – CDC developed standard precautions 1985 and again in 1988 – guidelines for hand hygiene and antisepsis were published

History of Precautionary Guidelines 1996 – It was recommended that antimicrobial soap or waterless antiseptic agents be used for hand hygiene when leaving rooms of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)

Standard precautions combine the major features of universal precautions and body substance isolation precautions into one set of recommendations.

Universal Precautions A method used in infection control that treats all human blood and body fluids as if infected

Bloodborne Pathogen Standards Employees Must follow universal precautions consider all body fluids contagious handle with precaution

Standard Precautions: A Summary apply to: Blood All body fluids, for example: Sputum Urine Stool Non-intact skin Mucous membranes

Critical Thinking Question Which body fluid does not require the use of standard precautions?

Following Standard Precautions Wear PPE’s Wear gloves Change gloves Wash hands frequently

Following Standard Precautions (cont) Avoid contact with contaminated linens or equipment Be careful with sharp instruments Dispose of properly

Following Standard Precautions (cont) Do not recap used needles Avoid direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation Use hazardous waste containers for contaminated material

Personal Protective Equipment PPE includes: Gloves Gowns Masks Eye protection

Hand Sanitizing and Hygiene the best means of reducing the spread of microorganisms

Lab Time Handwashing Check off Page 56 Textbook Workbook Pg 51 Word Parts Section And Evaluation of Learning Questions 1-17

Hand Sanitizing and Hygiene (cont) Hand hygiene recommendations include: Not wearing artificial fingernails Natural fingernails should be kept short

CDC Guidelines for Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette Reminder signs about cough hygiene Perform hand hygiene after coughing Use a mask as needed Provide at least three feet of space

CDC Safe Injection Practices Use of aseptic technique Use of single use items

Transmission Based Precautions Used in addition to standard precautions to further interrupt the spread of pathogens in hospitals

Airborne Precautions Designed to reduce the transmission of TB, measles, or chickenpox known to be infected that are transmitted via airborne droplet private room mask and gown

Airborne Precautions Hand washing and gloves pt will wear a mask during transport All reusable pt care equipment should be cleaned and disinfected before use on another pt Disposable items should be used if available

Droplet Precautions Used with organisms spread by droplets during sneezing, coughing, and talking mask Gown and gloves

Contact Precautions when infections are difficult to treat Conditions such as intestinal infections, hepatitis, open wounds, respiratory infections isolating pts, wearing gowns and gloves mask and eyewear may be worn

Latex Sensitivities ask the patient if there is a history of latex sensitivity

Latex Sensitivities (cont) contact dermatitis, swelling, itching, rhinitis, and may include anaphylaxis

Employers Should supply gloves Safety needles Sharps containers Sinks and running water Biohazard containers

Disposal of Infectious Waste Line infectious waste container Discard waste into container Contain all liquid

Disposal of Infectious Waste (cont) Do not mix infectious trash with everyday trash Do not put sharps in the bag Store full bags appropriately

Physical and Chemical Barriers Used to maintain infection control Prevent: Nosocomial infections Health-care associated infection (HAI)

Medical Asepsis Medical asepsis The destruction of organisms after they leave the body. Surgical asepsis sterile environment in which organisms are destroyed before entering the body.

Medical Asepsis Hygiene Habits Hand hygiene –first stage of infection control After using the restroom Before and after eating Between patients Jewelry should be removed Fingernails should be clean

Medical Asepsis Hygiene Habits Cleaning nondisposable equipment Using only clean or sterile supplies Wearing protective clothing Discarding any item that falls on the floor and cannot be cleaned Disposing of waste properly

Critical Thinking Question When are you going to use medical asepsis?

Medical Asepsis in the Facility Replacing sharps containers as needed (3/4 full) Separating well patients from sick patients Keeping exam rooms clean Emptying trash cans

Hand Hygiene

Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs Alternative to hand washing with water and soap, unless: Hands are visibly soiled Professional has used the restroom or eaten

Personal Protective Equipment Gowns, gloves, masks Use as needed Be careful when removing PPE

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