[STUDY] Infection Control-Related Administrative Policies and Work Restrictions

Infection control administrative policies

1. Latex related reactions

• Reduce use or substitute

2. Medical conditions

• Diseases or immune deficient — more susceptible to infections

3. OHCP exposed to or infected with pathogen

• Encourage reporting

• Based on mode of transmission, viral

Policy should be

• written

• State who has authority to remove OHCP

Latex adverse effects

• 250 proteins

• 30—60 proteins cause allergies

• Ammonia added to prevent coagulation & bacteria contamination

High ammonia

• Stronger latex — irritant dermatitis

Low ammonia

• less irritation

4.3% wth allergies to latex

9-12% healthcare workers

Types of latex reactions

1. Irritant contact dermatitis

• Not allergy

• Cracked skin, washing hands, gloves, hand drying

2. Allergic contact dermatitis

• 24—48 hours after contact

• Blisters, oozing

iGE— mediated immediate hypersensitivty

• Type I hypersensitivity

• 60 minutes

• Hives, itching, red

Angioedema

• Swelling in lips, face, limbs

Asthma

• 2.5% of healthcare workers

Latex fruit syndrome

• Some fruits contain proteins similar to latex

Avocado

Banana

Chestnuts

Kiwi

Apples

11% risk

Skin patch test

Used for delayed hypersensitivity

• Distinguish ICD and ACD

RAST (radioallergosorbent test) [Best]

Measures latex specific IgE antibodies

• test for immediate hypersensitivity

Glove provocation test (GPT)

• Use when history doesnt match with RAST

• Wear latex gloves 15 mins

  • Positive: Urticaria

  • Negative: None

Not for highly sensitive

Infected with covid OHCP

Asymptomatic

• no work restrictions but monitor symptoms

• Return after at least 7 days if confirmed

  • fever free 24 hrs

Severe cases

• return after 10—20 days

  • Fever free + no symptoms

Varicella (chickenpox)

Return after 10—21 days of first exposure

OHCP with Hepatitis A

• Fecal to oral

• No patient care or food handlling

• 7 days after jaundice begins