Infection Control and Safety - Medical Assistant

Bacteria

Definition: Single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic. Classified by shape (cocci, bacilli, spirilla)

Examples: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli

Viruses

Definition: Non-living particles that require a host cell to replicate

Examples: Influenza, COVID-19, Hepatitis B, HIV

Fungi

Definition: Simple plants that thrive in warm, moist environments

Example: Candida albicans (yeast infection), ringworm

Parasites

Definition: Organisms that live on or within a host and derive nutrients from it

Examples: Giardia, Toxoplasma gondii, intestinal worms

Protozoa

Definition: Single-celled eukaryotes found in water or soil

Examples: Plasmodium (malaria)

Infectious Agent

Definition: Microorganism capable of causing disease

Examples: Streptococcus pyogenes

Reservoir

Definition: Location where pathogen lives and multiplies

Examples: Humans, equipment, water

Portal of Exit

Definition: Path by which pathogen leaves host

Examples: Respiratory secretions, blood, feces

Mode of Transmission

Definition: How pathogen spreads

Examples: Contact, droplets, airborne

Portal of Entry

Definition: Path by which pathogen enters new host

Examples: Mucous membranes, cuts, injection sites

Susceptible Host

Definition: Person lacking immunity or resistance

Examples: Elderly, immunocompromised

Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique)

Definition: Reduces number of microorganisms and prevents transmission

Examples: Hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces

Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique)

Definition: Eliminates all microorganisms and spores

Examples: Sterile gloves, surgical instruments, autoclaving

Autoclaving

Description: Steam under pressure (250 degrees F/121 degrees C for 15-30 minutes)

Used For: Surgical instruments, glassware

Chemical Sterilants

Description: Immersion in glutaraldehyde or similar agents

Used For: Heat-sensitive instruments

Dry Heat

Description: 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 1-2 hours

Used For: Metal instruments, powders

Gas Sterilization (Ethylene Oxide)

Description: For delicate equipment that cannot tolerate heat or moisture

Used For: Plastic, electronic instruments

High-Level Disinfection

Targets: Kills all organisms except spores

Example Agents: Glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide

Intermediate-Level Disinfection

Targets: Kills mycobacteria, most viruses, and fungi

Example Agents: Alcohols, phenolics

Low-Level Disinfection

Targets: Kills some viruses and bacteria

Example Agents: Quaternary ammonium compounds

When is it appropriate to use hand hygiene?

Before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, after contact with body fluids or contaminated surfaces, before eating and after restroom use

Handwashing Steps

1. Wet hands with warm water

2. Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds

3. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a disposable towel

4. Use disposable towel to turn off faucet

Standard Precautions

Used For: All patients, all settings

Examples: Blood, body fluids

Precautions: Hand hygiene, PPE, safe sharps handling

Contact Precautions

Used For: Direct/Indirect contact

Examples: MRSA, C. difficile

Precautions: Gown, gloves, patient isolation

Droplet Precautions

Used For: Respiratory droplets

Examples: Influenza, pertussis

Precautions: Mask, patient in single room

Airborne Precautions

Used For: Airborne particles

Examples: Tuberculosis (TB), measles, varicella

Precautions: N95 respirator, negative pressure room

Red Sharps Container

sharps (needles, blades)

Red biohazard bag

Blood-soaked materials

Standard Waste Container (Trash can)

regular trash

Rigid disposal box per facility policy

Glass or plastic vials

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves: For contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin

Masks/Respirators: For droplet or airborne precautions

Gowns/Aprons: When splashing or contamination is likely

Eye Protection: For procedures with risk of splatter.

Donning Order

Gown, mask, goggles, gloves

Doffing Order

Gloves, goggles, gown, mask

RACE

rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish/evacuate

PASS

pull, aim, squeeze, sweep

Hazardous Material Labeling (NFPA Diamond)

Blue: Health hazard

Red: Flammability

Yellow: Reactivity

White: Special notice (ex: radiation, corrosive)