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Infection Control: Personal Protective Equipment and Sharps Safety

Protection Against Airborne Pathogens

  • Purpose: To protect oneself from airborne pathogens, which travel in the air, such as influenza and COVID. For example, during the COVID pandemic, mask-wearing became widespread.
  • Method: Wearing masks.
  • Sterile Procedures: Masks are essential during sterile procedures to protect the client from infection. This applies when performing or assisting with procedures like deep cut dressings, working in an Operating Room (OR), or in a labor and delivery unit. Healthcare professionals wear masks to prevent their secretions (droplets) from contaminating the patient's body cavity, especially when working in close proximity.

N95 Masks and Fit Testing

  • Specific Use: N95 masks are specifically designed for protection against certain airborne pathogens, such as tuberculosis.
  • Fit Requirement: For an N95 mask to be effective, it must be properly fitted to each individual's face size.
  • Fit Test Process: A