Infection Control Measures in Healthcare Settings

Sterilization and Disinfection

• Sterilization eliminates all forms of viable microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, to minimize the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
• Common methods of sterilization include:
  • Autoclaving: exposes instruments and equipment to high-pressure saturated steam at a specific temperature and duration.
  • Chemical sterilization: uses ethylene oxide gas or hydrogen peroxide plasma for heat-sensitive instruments and equipment.
  • Dry heat sterilization: subjects instruments to high temperatures for a longer duration, suitable for instruments sensitive to moisture or steam.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves: wear clean, non-sterile gloves for all patient contact and procedures, and change them regularly.
• Gowns: wear gowns during procedures or examinations where there is a risk of splashing or fluid exposure.
• Eye protection: wear protective eyewear such as goggles or a face shield when performing procedures or examinations where there is a risk of splashes or spraying of bodily fluids.

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as examination tables, counters, equipment, and doorknobs with hospital-grade disinfectants between patients.
• Pay close attention to areas likely to come into contact with bodily fluids.
• Change linens after each patient and dispose of soiled linens in appropriate designated containers.

Sharps and Waste Management

• Sharps safety: use sharps containers for all used needles, syringes, and other sharp objects, and never recap needles.
• Proper waste disposal: dispose of all medical waste, including contaminated materials, used gloves, and gowns, in designated biohazard waste containers according to hospital waste management protocols.

Prevention of Cross-Contamination

• Hand hygiene: wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after each patient contact, after removing gloves, and after contact with any potentially contaminated surfaces or objects.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content when soap and water are not readily available.
• Empowering patients in their healthcare journey: educating patients about infection control measures enables them to actively participate in their own healthcare and advocate for their own safety.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

• Promote proper respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets carrying pathogens.

Safe Injection Practices

• Adhere to safe injection practices, including using aseptic techniques, single-use needles and syringes, and proper disposal of sharps, to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.