Phlebotomy Chapter 10: infection control and the clinical laboratory

Accession number

A unique laboratory assigned number used to identify sample received

C. Diff

Clostridioides difficile

• A bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon by releasing toxins that damage the intestinal lining

Pathogens

Harmful micro organism that causes diseases

Standard precautions

Basic infection prevention practices used with all patients at all times regardless of their diagnosis or infection status

Transmission based precautions

Infection control steps used with standard precautions to prevent the spread of contagious disease diseases by contact droplets or airborne routes

Universal precautions

An infection prevention strategy requiring healthcare workers to treat all blood, body fluids, and human tissues as if they are infectious

Microbe

A microscopic living organism

Four groups of pathogens

• Viruses

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Parasites

Communicable disease

A disease or virus that can be easily spread from one person to another

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

A federal agency responsible for controlling, identifying, and managing various communicable diseases

Healthcare associated infection (HAI)

Infection acquired during or after receiving care and healthcare facility

MRSA

• Type of bacteria that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics

• Can cause infectious in the skin, lungs, or bloodstream

• Most frequently identified bacteria in healthcare settings

Chain of infection

1. Infectious agent

2. Reservoir

3. Portal of exit

4. Mode of transmission

5. Portal of entry

6. Susceptible host

Airborne transmission

A pathogen spread through tiny infectious particles that remain suspended in the air for extended periods

Examples of pathogens that can be spread via airborne

• tuberculosis

• Measles

• Chickenpox

• COVID-19

Contact transmission

Occurs when an individual is exposed to an infectious agent directly or indirectly

Droplet transmission

Occurs when an infected person releases respiratory droplets by coughing, sneezing or talking

Parenteral transmission

The transfer of pathogens into the body through a route other than the digestive system

Vector transmission

Spread of infection through insects or animals that act as disease carriers

Vehicle transmission

When pathogens are spread through a contaminated source, such as food, water, blood or medication

Infection control involves

Interrupting the chain of infection to stop the spread of disease

Infection control methods

• hand hygiene

• Isolation

• Vaccination

• Aseptic technique

• Use of safety devices

• Early detection

• Healthy lifestyle

Chemistry department

Analyzes body fluids to assess organ and metabolic function

Coagulation department

Test clotting to diagnose disorders or monitor therapy

Hematology department

Examines blood cells for abnormal count or structure

Immuno hematology department

Determines blood types and compatibility for transfusions

Microbiology department

Identifies infectious organisms and their drug sensitivity

Surgical pathology department

Analyze tissue samples to detect disease

Urinalysis department

Evaluate urine to screen for kidney issues and infections

What department of the lab processes C&S tests?

Microbiology department

What type of specimens are analyzing the surgical pathology department?

Tissues

What is the most common blood test panel analyzing the hematology section?

CBC