INFECTIO

N CONTROL

G M UN I T

2

GOALSIdentify the causes, risks, and prevention methods of infection

disease in the health care setting.

CAUSES OF INFECTION. Contagious Illness is caused by one of several types of

microbes or even things like body lice. Virus, Bacteria, Protozoa, FungusMicrobes that cause disease are called pathogens. Primarily we

worry about bacteria and viruses. There are good microbes, too. Most are harmless to humans.

HOW MICROBES CAUSE ILLNESSThey must first find a portal of entry into the body (host). Depends on Mode of Transmission (food, water, air, body fluids, etc.)Microbes then interfere with the normal body processes. May affect tissues in one system, or several. Illicit an immune response. Must find portal of exit to another host. See Mode of Transmission

RISK OF INFECTIONDepends on more than exposure. Those with an increased risk:

Compromised Health or Immune System Lack of antibodies (immunizations or natural) Children and Elderly High Risk Behavior (IV drug use, unprotected sex)

BREAKING THE CHAIN OF INFECTIONWhat in infection control is all about. Seeks to prevent either exposure or transmission by acting at one of

the following. Reservoir Portal of Exit Mode of Transmission Portal of Entry

STEP 1: ASEPSISPracticing techniques that result in minimal microbe

transmission. Hand washing (review appropriate technique), and Respiratory

Hygiene PPE Using appropriate antiseptics and disinfectants on patients and

supplies.

SOAP OR SANITIZER? Soap (regular, non-antibacterial) and water are better than

hand sanitizer. Why?

Hand Sanitizer does not kill all types of microbes equally well and it doesn’t remove anything rom the hands.

Hand sanitizer may cause skin dryness and kill good bacteria. Soap and water (plus friction used while washing) actually remove

the microbes from your skin, even it it can’t kill them. Use hand sanitizer infrequently, and mostly only when soap and water

are unavailable.

STANDARD PRECAUTIONSPrecautions applies to all patients. We assume all patients, and their blood/body fluids are infectious. Standard precautions protect us and other patients. Standard Precautions Include: Appropriate PPE for the task. Sharps safety Hand Hygiene Appropriate disposal, storage and cleaning of supplies.

STERILE VS ASEPSISSterile is more than aseptic. Depends on the removal of ALL microbes (not just harmful) Necessary for procedures that disturb sterile body cavities (surgery,

access of a central line, some wound care, catheterizing, other procedures)

Sterile Field setup requires sterile gloves (maybe two pairs), other PPE, specially prepared supply trays, disinfectants for patient, etc.

RULES THAT APPLY TO STERILE PROCEDURESThings and fields that are sterile are usually either white or

blue. There should be a designated place for “dirty” supplies and

waste so that it does not contaminate “clean” supplies. It you must touch the patient, try to keep one had “clean” to

access sterile supplies, or have someone assist who can stay sterile.

Never short cut or cheat in sterile settings. If you contaminate something, say so and get another one.

DONNING STERILE GLOVES

• Start with dominant hand, tough only the inside of the glove.

• Carefully slip each finger into correct place and pull down. Don’t unroll cuff.

• Pick up the other glove from the outside (reach under the folded cuff and carefully slip in hand and fingers.

• Now you may adjust the fingers as needed, but do not tough wrists, do not unroll cuffs.

WHAT OTHER MEASURES HELP WITH INFECTION CONTROL?

Public Health Issues: Water and food supply regulations Vaccinations Free clinics and monitoring of infectious disease. General sanitation of public and private living space. In other words, reasons we aren’t all dying from a plague all

the time.