1. Dianne M. Iberg MT(ASCP), SH
Infection Control
Dianne M. Iberg MT(ASCP), SH

2. Learning Objectives 1. Define the terms:
After completion of this unit, the student should be able to:
1. Define the terms:
Nosocomial Infection
Biohazard
Pathogen
2. Describe the process of proper handwashing.
3. Describe the chain of infection and explain how it relates to infection control
4. Explain the various types of isolation.
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3. Definitions Pathogen Nosocomial Infection Aseptic
an organism which causes disease
Nosocomial Infection
an infection acquired in a health care setting
Aseptic
without germs, practices which decrease the number of germs present
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4. Chain of Infection
Proper Immunization
Proper Nutrition
Adequate Exercise
Adequate Rest
Proper Medications
Host Reservoir Source
Means Of
Exit
Host
Susceptible
To stop the spread of germs, we must break the chain
Handwashing
Aseptic Technique
Protective Barriers
Isolation
Means Of
Entrance
Means Of
Transfer
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5. Cleanliness
Proper handwashing is the single most effective step in preventing the spread of disease.
Keeping work areas properly decontaminated helps prevent the spread of infectious organisms
REMEMBER – Anything which touches a contaminated surface should be considered contaminated
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6. Clean areas
Areas designated to be kept free of specimens and contaminated materials
Break room
Cafeteria
Bathrooms
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7. Proper Hand washing Technique
Turn on water with towel and discard towel
Wet hands under running water and add about a teaspoon of soap
Keep hands pointed down and work soap into a lather
Continue to work lather over all surfaces of hands and wrist (front, back, sides and between fingers) for 30 second to 2 minutes
At least the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Be certain to clean under nails
With fingers pointed down, rinse hands under running water.
Dry hands thoroughly and turn off water with towel
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8. PPE Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves
Gown (lab coat)
Eyewear
Goggles
Face shields
Masks
Shoes
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9. Gloves Wear whenever handling patients or patient samples
Change gloves when they become soiled and between patients
Do NOT touch clean items with gloves or wear gloves in “clean” areas
Wash hands after removing gloves
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10. Gowns/Lab Coats Should be moisture resistant
Should cover from neck to knee
Wear while in contact with patients and patient samples
Do NOT wear in clean areas
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11. Eyewear
Wear when there is a risk of splash into the eyes
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12. Masks Wear when you suspect aerolization of the specimen
Wear when exposed to a patient with contagious respiratory disease
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13. Bloodborne Pathogens
Currently, HIV and Hepatitis are the major diseases of concern.
These viruses are present in blood and other bodily secretions
It is recommended that all healthcare workers be immunized against Hepatitis B
There is currently no vaccine for HIV
The greatest danger for transmission is the handling of contaminated sharps.
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14. CDC Universal Precautions
Treat all patient specimens as if they are capable of transmitting diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis
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15. CDC Tier One Standard Precautions
Practices to be followed regardless of patient diagnosis or disease.
What a patient is diagnosed with and what they have may be different things.
Promotes use of hand washing and proper use of PPE to decrease transmission of disease through body fluids
Applies to
Blood
All body fluid (except sweat)
Nonintact skin
Mucous Membranes
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16. CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions
Strict Isolation
Highly Contagious Diseases
Private, closed room
Gown, masks, gloves
Dispose of all equipment in patient room
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17. CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions
Enteric Isolation
Intestinal Pathogens
Gown, gloves
Special waste containers in room
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18. CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions
Contact Isolation
Spread by Direct Contact
Gown, gloves, mask
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19. CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions
Respiratory Isolation
Spread by airborne droplets
Closed private room
Gloves, mask
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20. CDC Tier Two Diagnosis Based Precautions
Protective Isolation
Reverse Isolation
Patient at risk
Gown, gloves, mask
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21. General Rules of Lab Safety
Avoid contaminating the outside of containers during specimen collection and handling. Lids should be securely fastened.
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22. General Rules of Lab Safety
No application of cosmetics (including lip balm), eating or drinking is permitted in the lab.
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23. General Rules of Lab Safety
Wear PPE correctly as needed. Change contaminated PPE immediately
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24. General Rules of Lab Safety
Use proper caution when handling needles and other sharps. No bending, breaking or recapping of needles. Discard all sharps in puncture proof containers
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25. General Rules of Lab Safety
Decontaminate work surfaces after work is completed or when contamination occurs. Use a 1:10 dilution of bleach or other approved germicide.
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26. General Rules of Lab Safety
Wash hands after removing gloves, between patients and ALWAYS before leaving lab.
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27. General Rules of Lab Safety
Do not store personal items in contaminated areas.
Don’t keep your lunch in the lab refrigerator
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28. General Rules of Lab Safety
Do not store personal items in contaminated areas.
Don’t keep your lunch in the lab refrigerator
Don’t handle your cell phone with dirty hands
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29. General Rules of Lab Safety
Shoes should be comfortable, rubber soled and cover the entire foot. No sandals, open-toed shoes or clogs.
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30. General Rules of Lab Safety
Long hair should be secured away from the face to keep it from falling into the work area.
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31. General Rules of Lab Safety
Avoid excessive jewelry.
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32. General Rules of Lab Safety
Nails should be neatly trimmed. Excessively long nails may interfere with performance of tasks and may harbor germs.
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33. Laboratory Safety
BE ALERT
BE OBSERVANT
BE CAREFUL
BE CLEAN
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