Some infection control procedures include practices like hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and safely handling and disposing of sharps. These procedures are crucial for preventing the spread of infections in various settings.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of common infection control procedures:
1. Hand Hygiene:
- Handwashing: Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to remove germs.
- Using Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves: Wear gloves when handling blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, contaminated items, and when performing venipuncture or other vascular access procedures.
- Masks and Respirators: Use masks to protect yourself from respiratory droplets and aerosols. Respirators (e.g., N95) are required for airborne precautions.
- Gowns: Wear gowns to protect your skin and clothing during procedures where contact with blood or body fluids is likely.
- Eye Protection: Use eye protection (e.g., goggles, face shields) to protect mucous membranes of the eyes during procedures where splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids are likely.
3. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection:
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt and grime.
- Disinfection: Use appropriate disinfectants to kill germs on frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and contact time.
4. Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps:
- Sharps Containers: Use designated sharps containers for disposing of needles, syringes, and other sharp objects.
- Avoid Recapping Needles: Never recap needles, as this increases the risk of needlestick injuries.
- Proper Disposal: Ensure that sharps containers are properly sealed and disposed of according to local regulations.
5. Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette:
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue isn't available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Hand Hygiene After Coughing or Sneezing: Perform hand hygiene immediately after coughing or sneezing.
6. Aseptic Technique:
- Maintaining Sterility: Use sterile equipment and techniques when performing invasive procedures to prevent contamination.
- Proper Skin Preparation: Clean the skin with an antiseptic before inserting catheters or performing other invasive procedures.
7. Waste Management:
- Proper Segregation: Segregate infectious waste from general waste.
- Appropriate Disposal: Dispose of infectious waste according to local regulations.
8. Education and Training:
- Staff Training: Provide regular training to healthcare workers on infection control procedures.
- Patient Education: Educate patients and visitors on infection prevention measures.
These procedures are critical in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and homes, to minimize the spread of infections and protect individuals from harm.
