Infection Control in Healthcare

Infection Control

The practice of preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Goal of Infection Control

Protecting patients, healthcare staff, and yourself from germs (pathogens).

Pathogen

Germs or microorganisms that cause disease, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Why Infection Control Matters

Healthcare facilities easily spread germs, and patients often have weakened immune systems.

Chain of Infection

A six-link process representing how infections spread; breaking any single link stops the infection.

Link 1: Causative Agent / Pathogen

A microorganism capable of causing disease.

Link 2: Reservoir

The source where a germ lives and multiplies (e.g., a person, object, or animal).

Link 3: Portal of Exit

The body site or method by which a germ exits the reservoir (e.g., nose, mouth, open wound).

Link 4: Mode of Transmission

The path by which a germ travels between hosts (e.g., direct contact, droplets, air).

Link 5: Portal of Entry

The pathway by which a germ enters a new host (e.g., mouth, nose, cut in skin).

Link 6: Susceptible Host

An individual who lacks immunity and is vulnerable to getting sick.

Modes of Transmission

Airborne, bloodborne, vector-borne, sexual, foodborne, and casual contact.

Asepsis

A state or condition free of pathogens.

Medical Asepsis

Maintaining a clean environment to reduce pathogen count, also called "clean technique".

Surgical Asepsis

Maintaining a sterile field completely free of all microorganisms and spores, also called "sterile technique".

Handwashing

The single most effective method to prevent the spread of germs.

Handwashing Duration

Scrubbing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Handwashing Technique

Lather all surfaces including hand backs, between fingers, and under fingernails; rinse and dry with a clean paper towel.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Waterless gel or lotion rub used to clean hands only when they are not visibly dirty.

5 Key Times for Hand Hygiene

Before/after patient contact, before/after handling food, before/after using the restroom, after touching patient surroundings, and after removing gloves.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specialized clothing or gear worn to guard against infectious materials.

Gloves

PPE that protects hands from contact with blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces.

Gowns

PPE that protects skin and clothing from fluid spills or splashes.

Masks

PPE that shields the nose and mouth from respiratory droplets.

Eye Protection

Goggles or face shields that protect the eyes from splashes or sprays.

PPE Donning Order (Putting On)

1. Perform hand hygiene, 2. Put on gown, 3. Put on mask, 4. Put on eye protection, 5. Put on gloves.

PPE Doffing Order (Taking Off)

1. Remove gloves, 2. Remove gown, 3. Hand hygiene, 4. Remove eye protection, 5. Remove mask, 6. Perform final hand hygiene.

"Dirty" Zone (PPE)

Gloves and gown, which are the most contaminated areas after care.

"Clean" Zone (PPE)

Your body under PPE and the immediate surrounding environment.

Standard Precautions

Safety measures used for all patients at all times assuming all body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes are infectious.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional infection controls implemented for specific diagnosed illnesses based on transmission mode.

Contact Precautions

Used for diseases spread by direct/indirect contact; requires gloves, gown, and a private room.

Droplet Precautions

Used for diseases spread by large respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing); requires a surgical mask.

Airborne Precautions

Used for small floating air particles (e.g., TB); requires a negative-pressure room and N95 respirator mask.

Cleaning

Physical removal of dirt and surface germs.

Disinfection

Process of eliminating/killing germs on surfaces.

CNA Equipment Duty

Cleaning and disinfecting reusable patient equipment after every use while following disinfectant contact time.

Biohazardous Waste

Materials contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.

Red Biohazard Bags

Used to dispose of contaminated items such as dirty dressings, gloves, and gowns.

Sharps Containers

Rigid, puncture-proof, leak-proof containers for needles, scalpels, and sharp tools.

Golden Rule of Sharps Safety

NEVER recap a needle!