1. Infection Control 111
Methods

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Gloves

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Footwear
Should be enclosed to protect against injury or fluids

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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