Infection Control

Decontamination

A process which physically removes microorganisms from a surface – primary purpose is to lower bioburden before disinfection or sterilisation

Disinfection

A chemical or physical process that destroys most pathogenic microorganisms but does not necessarily inactivate bacterial spores

Sterilisation

A chemical or physical process that involves the destruction or elimination of all microorganisms, pathogenic and non-pathogenic, including spores

Sterilisation Methods

Autoclave - 143C, 20PSI
Dry Heat - 160-170C
Ethylene Oxide Gas
Ionising Radiation - X-ray and Gamma
Steris - Chemical

Chain of Infeciton

Infectious Agent
Reservoir
Portal of Exit
Mode of Transmission
Portal of Entry
Susceptible Host

5 Moments of Hand Hygiene

Before Touching a Patient
Before Clean/Aseptic Procedures
After Body Fluid Exposure
After Touching Patient
After Touching Patient Surroundings

Standard Precautions

Hand Hygiene
Gloves
Mask
Goggles
Theatre Attire (Scrubs and Hat)

Recycle Rate of Theatre Air

20 Times per Hour (3 minutes, 63% Clearance) 5 Cycles Between Patients (15 minutes, 99% Clearance)

Laminar Flow

Non-turbulent Streamline Flow in Parallel Layers
Creating Air Curtains Generates Bacteria Free Air Flow
Useful for Implant Surgery

Precautions for Meningococcal Disease

Droplet Precautions

Precautions for Measles

Airborne Precautions

Precautions for Hepatitis

Standard Precautions