Infection Control and Safety Precautions

Standard Precautions

• Handwashing:
  • The single most effective way to prevent transmission.
  • Essential before and after seeing a patient, and between patients.
  • Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing.
  • In the lab, fingertips should point down during handwashing.
  • Lab handwashing is different from sterile handwashing.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Gloves
  • Gown

Transmission of Organisms

• Common Spread Method: Coughing and sneezing create a cloud of organisms.
• Airborne vs. Droplet:
  • Similarity: Both spread via expelled organisms.
  • Airborne: Small particles that stay in the air (e.g., tuberculosis, measles).
  • Droplet: Larger particles.

Masks

• N95 Mask:
  • Required for airborne precautions.
• Paper Mask:
  • Use within three feet of a patient with droplet precautions.
  • Effective for approximately 20 minutes.

Sterile Handwashing

• Duration: Approximately two minutes.
• Situations: Required when scrubbing into the Operating Room or cardiac cath lab.

Isolation Precautions

• Purpose: To protect the patient from external sources.
• Reason: Patients may have weakened immunity, making them susceptible to normal flora.

Sharps

• Definition: Items that can cause punctures or cuts, requiring special disposal.
• Examples:
  • Needles
  • Scalpels
  • Broken glass ampules
• Disposal: Must not be placed in regular garbage cans.

Sterilization Methods

• Types:
  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Gas
• Most Dependable Method:
  • Autoclave: Uses steam under pressure.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Purpose: Provides information about chemicals and hazardous products.
• Content: Includes details and safety guidelines for handling hazardous materials.