Infection Prevention and Control

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can remove germs and bacteria from the hands, reducing the risk of transmission.

When handling blood or other potentially infectious materials, healthcare workers should wear gloves, a mask, and a gown to protect themselves from exposure to pathogens.

Isolation precautions are implemented to prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another, to protect healthcare workers from infection, and to prevent the spread of infection from the environment to a patient.

Airborne isolation is used for patients with airborne infections, such as measles, tuberculosis, and chickenpox. Airborne precautions involve placing the patient in a private room with negative air pressure and requiring healthcare workers to wear an N95 respirator mask when entering the room.

Bleach is the recommended method for disinfecting surfaces in a healthcare setting. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Autoclaving is a method of sterilization that uses steam under pressure to kill all microorganisms, including spores. Autoclaving is commonly used to sterilize surgical instruments, medical devices, and laboratory equipment.

Before and after performing aseptic procedures, it is recommended to wash hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and wear gloves to minimize the risk of contamination.

Contact isolation is used for patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Contact precautions involve placing the patient in a private room and requiring healthcare workers to wear gloves and gowns when entering the room.

Sterile gloves are used during a surgical procedure to prevent the spread of infection from the patient to the healthcare worker, from the healthcare worker to the patient, and from the environment to the patient.

Contact isolation is used for patients with diarrhea. Contact precautions involve placing the patient in a private room and requiring healthcare workers to wear gloves and gowns when entering the room.

The recommended method for cleaning and disinfecting medical devices is to use a bleach solution. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Airborne isolation is used for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Airborne precautions involve placing the patient in a private room with negative air pressure and requiring healthcare workers to wear an N95 respirator mask when entering the room.

Hand hygiene should be performed as needed in a healthcare setting. This includes before and after patient contact, before and after performing aseptic procedures, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

Contact isolation is used for patients with HIV. Contact precautions involve placing the patient in a private room and requiring healthcare workers to wear gloves and gowns when entering the room.