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.