1. Infection Control and Medical Asepsis
Chapter 36
Infection Control and Medical Asepsis

2. Infection Control
Infection control is an ongoing aspect of working in health care
What is asepsis?
The state of being free from pathogenic microorganisms

3. Microorganisms Some microorganisms are helpful and necessary
Normal flora: A balance of microorganisms that provide a natural immunity against certain infections
Some microorganisms cause disease; these are called pathogens

4. Microorganisms
Requirements to sustain life and facilitate growth and development:
Oxygen pH
Temperature
Nutrients
Water
A host to inhabit

5. Preventing Disease Transmission
Communicable Diseases
Review Table 36-1
Learn these common diseases, their means of transmission, incubation times, symptoms, and treatments

6. The Infection Cycle

7. Infectious Agents
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Parasites
Ricksettiae

8. Reservoir or Source Person who, or object that, becomes infected
Examples: People, equipment, food, water, insects
Allows the infectious agent to survive, grow, and multiply

9. Portal of Exit
Exit from the reservoir (source) that allows the infectious agent to be transmitted
Secretions, excretions, body fluids

10. Means of Transmission
How the infectious agent travels through the portal of exit into a susceptible individual
Can occur through direct or indirect contact
Direct: touching, eating, drinking
Indirect: inhalation, vector, fomite

11. Susceptible Host One that is capable of being infected
Disease-fighting capabilities are lowered
May be due to poor health or hygiene
Individuals who are elderly, frail, immunosuppressed, or have a chronic disease are particularly susceptible

12. Infectious Disease Process
Incubation
Prodromal
Acute
Declining
Convalescent

13. Immunity
Immunity is best when your body is in a state of good physical, emotional, and mental health

14. The Body’s Defense Mechanisms
Nutrition and exercise
Proper rest
Good hygiene habits
Respiratory tract
Cilia
Coughing and sneezing
Tears, sweat, urine
Hydrochloric acid in stomach

15. Infection Control in the Medical Office
Patient education
Proper cleaning
Practice Universal and Standard Precautions
Follow OSHA guidelines
The blood-borne pathogen standard
Complete an incident report after potential exposures

16. Hand Washing
The most effective way to eliminate many diseases!

17. Hand Washing Appropriate times to perform hand washing
Before and after seeing patients
Before and after using the restroom
Before and after handling specimens or soiled/contaminated materials
After removing gloves
Hand washing versus surgical scrub
Using an alcohol-based rub

18. Gloving Necessary when exposed to blood or bodily fluids
Provides a barrier protection
Reduces the transfer of pathogens
Not a substitute for hand washing

19. Applying Other PPE
Selecting the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for potential exposure is key
Direct hand contact exposure
Gloves
Potential splashes, sprays, or droplets
Gowns or labcoats, safety glasses, face shields
Airborne transmission
Face shields or masks

20. Sanitization Apply gloves before sanitizing objects
Washing and scrubbing to remove materials
Rinse in cool water
Soak in detergent
Wash with brush
Rinse thoroughly
Dry

21. Disinfection
Items are placed in chemical solutions to kill disease-producing microorganisms
Used on objects only

22. Sterilization Process that destroys all forms of living organisms
Sterilization by autoclave
Chemical sterilization
Dry heat sterilization

23. Autoclaving Sanitize articles Wrap articles to be autoclaved
Several items may be wrapped together, with gauze square between
Take caution not to wrap too loosely or tightly
May use envelope packaging
Use indicator tape or device to ensure quality control

24. Wrap Items for Autoclaving

25. Autoclaving
Follow manufacturer’s directions for operating the autoclave

26. Chemical Sterilization
Used for
sharp items and instruments that would otherwise dull;
rubber or vinyl items that cannot withstand autoclaving heat
Cover item completely with solution; soak for a minimum 10 hours or manufacturer’s guidelines

27. Dry Heat Sterilization
Used for sterilizing sharp instruments
Time consuming, takes 1-2 hours at a high temperature