CCMA Exam Domain 3 Leftovers: Infection Control and Safety and Point of Care Testing and Labs

Direct mode of transmission

takes place when there is contact with an infected person or body fluid that is carrying the pathogen

Chain of infection sequence

Infectious agent, to a reservoir or source, portal of exit, mode of transportation, portal of entry, susceptible host

3 categories of adhering to regulations and guidelines related to infectious diseases

Category I: tasks that have a chance of exposure to body fluids or blood

Category II: tasks that do not usually have chance of exposure like CPR

Category III: Tasks that do not require any PPE like VS

Sanitation

cleaning process that is the first step in assuring medical equipment and instruments are as clean as possible.

Disinfection

process of destroying pathogens or rendering them inactive on surfaces and items, such as countertops and surgical instruments. Greatly reduces spread of infection

Order of cleaning

Hand hygiene, examination table, surfaces

3 levels of disinfectants

1. low level disinfection kills most bacteria and some fungi, used for exam tables and countertops, hydrogen peroxide

2. intermediate level disinfection kills bacteria and most viruses but not spores. Used for stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, isopropyl alc

3. High level disinfection kills all microorganisms except for a small number. Used for instruments that contact mucous membranes, such as endoscopes. Cidex

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

any time a new chemical is introduced to the work environment, SDS must accompany them

Where is fasting glucose tested in

Chemistry dept

Where is WBC count tested in

Hematology

Where would you test for identifying bacteria in a specimen in

Microbiology

Where would you test for physical and chemical examination of a specimen in

Urinalysis

Where is blood typing and screening tested in

Blood bank

Some examples of POC testing

Urine pregnancy test, streptococcus, UA, hemoglobin, hematocrit capillary puncture, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol, H pylori, mono, flu A and B, drug testing, fecal occult blood,

Specimen collection techniques

collect specimen at appropriate time, from site of suspected infection, minimize transport time, appropriate quality, appropriate containers

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood

patient identifiers

name, ID number (medical record #), DOB, phone #, address

Chain of custody

MA may need to obtain a urine specimen for drug and alcohol analysis used in a court of law

Hemoglobin (HGB) test values

Specimen: blood

Reference range: males 14-18 g/dL, females 12-16 g/dL

Hematocrit (HCT) test values

Specimen: blood

Reference range: male 42-50%, females 37-47%

CBC test values

Specimen: blood

Reference range:

• WBC 4000-11000 mm3

• RBC 4.2-5.9 million/uL

• Platelet count 150,000-450,000mm3

• granulocyte 50-70%

Glucose test values

Specimen: blood

Reference range: 70-99 mg/dL (fasting)

Hemoglobin A1C test values

Specimen: blood

Reference range: 4-5.6%

Cholesterol test values

Specimen: blood

Reference range:

• total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL

• LDL less than 100 mg/dL

• HDL males greater than 40 mg/dL and females greater than 50

• Triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL

Isihara test

vision test to assess for color deficiency

Scratch allergy testing

diluted allergen is applied to a scratch or prick that has been made on the surface of the patient’s skin. if a wheal occurs in 15 min, allergist can identify possible allergen

Intradermal allergy testing

diluted allergen is injected intradermally

Peak flow rates

test used to monitor lung function at home, helpful for patients with COPD or asthma. Measures forced expiratory volume