Microbial Presence on Hands and Infection Risks
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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum alcohol concentration recommended in alcohol-based hand rubs for effective disinfection?

  • 70 percent
  • 75 percent
  • 65 percent (correct)
  • 60 percent

    • Which microorganism is specifically noted to be ineffective against alcohol-based hand rubs?

  • E. coli
  • Clostridium difficile (correct)
  • MRSA
  • Staphylococcus aureus

    • What types of bacteria are primarily involved in causing nosocomial infections on the hands?

  • Gram negative bacteria and transient bacteria (correct)
  • Resident bacteria and opportunistic pathogens
  • Transient bacteria and anaerobic bacteria
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae

    • What is the main disadvantage of using alcohol-based hand rubs that users must be aware of?

    <p>Their action is short-lived due to rapid evaporation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of patients during their hospital stay are likely to acquire a healthcare-associated infection?

    <p>5-10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done before applying alcohol-based hand rubs on hands?

    <p>Check for visible dirt or blood on the hands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following impacts the effectiveness of hand hygiene when wearing rings?

    <p>Rings can harbor and promote bacterial growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes resident bacteria from transient bacteria on the hands?

    <p>Resident bacteria have low virulence and are not easily transmitted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key reason for the high rate of healthcare-associated infections according to the content?

    <p>Failure of healthcare workers to wash hands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of surgical hand hygiene?

    <p>To reduce the number of resident bacteria to a minimum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the limitations of alcohol-based hand rubs?

    <p>They are ineffective against certain microorganisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which one of the following moments for hand hygiene is not mentioned in the provided content?

    <p>After using the restroom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During surgical hand hygiene, which scrubbing technique requires maintaining the hand above the elbow?

    <p>Rotational action technique</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical requirement when washing hands and forearms in surgical scrubs?

    <p>Elevating hands to prevent contamination from drainage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs if any part of the hand touches a non-sterile surface during the scrubbing process?

    <p>Additional scrubbing time should be added for that area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about cold water and soap is accurate?

    <p>Cold water does not promote lathering and is less effective in removing germs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of surgical hand scrubbing?

    <p>To reduce resident bacteria to a minimum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of personal protective equipment (PPE), how do impermeable gowns reduce contamination?

    <p>By preventing fluid penetration and acting as a barrier.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a common misconception regarding gloves used in dental procedures?

    <p>Gloves help reduce exposure to blood and microorganisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason for wearing PPE during dental treatments?

    <p>To prevent contamination of personal belongings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to prevent cross-infection during dental procedures?

    <p>Change gloves in between patients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about single-use gloves is correct?

    <p>They should never be reused.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of wearing gloves for an extended period?

    <p>Development of perforations due to hydration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of response is linked to immediate hypersensitivity from Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)?

    <p>Laryngeal edema</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for changing gloves during long procedures?

    <p>To reduce sweating and dermal infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of gloves is generally considered a suitable alternative for individuals with latex allergies?

    <p>Nitrile gloves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common hypersensitivity reaction triggered by latex?

    <p>Anaphylactic shock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices enhances hand hygiene in a dental setting?

    <p>Washing hands before and after glove use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers sensitivity to Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) in susceptible individuals?

    <p>Inhalation of airborne latex allergens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a misconception regarding hand cleanliness when wearing gloves?

    <p>Gloves are sufficient for hand hygiene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in a dental environment?

    <p>To reduce the risk of pathogen contamination during treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the limitations of gloves used in dental procedures?

    <p>Gloves can only reduce contamination but not eliminate it completely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of surgical hand hygiene is aimed at minimizing resident bacteria on the skin?

    <p>Performing an extended surgical scrub</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a correct statement regarding the drying methods used after surgical hand scrubbing?

    <p>Using a wiping motion is preferred over air drying</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of dental hygiene, which area is most prone to microbial splatter contamination?

    <p>Chest and forearm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the management of latex allergies in dental surgery?

    <p>Latex-free gloves should be used if allergens are known.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical consideration for changing gloves during lengthy dental procedures?

    <p>To minimize the likelihood of glove perforations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes immediate hypersensitivity to Natural Rubber Latex?

    <p>It causes respiratory issues and occurs within minutes of exposure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When using single-use gloves in dental surgery, what practice should be strictly avoided?

    <p>Disinfecting gloves before reuse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might hands not be considered clean even after wearing gloves?

    <p>Hands may touch contaminated surfaces while gloved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reaction associated with delayed hypersensitivity to Natural Rubber Latex?

    <p>Contact dermatitis appearing several hours later.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an accurate statement about hand hygiene practices in dental surgery?

    <p>Hand washing is essential before and after wearing gloves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What essential property do both latex and nitrile gloves provide in a dental setting?

    <p>They maintain manual dexterity while preventing microbial penetration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk associated with reusing single-use gloves?

    <p>They can lose their permeability over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a factor that could contribute to increased rates of latex allergy among dental professionals?

    <p>Repeated exposure to latex without appropriate management.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Hands are a Source of Infection

    • Hands harbor microorganisms that can cause infections
    • The entire surface of the human body is colonized by microorganisms
    • The skin below the waist, particularly in the perineal and inguinal regions, is a prime area for microbial colonization
    • People shed approximately a million skin scales (squames) daily
    • Microorganisms attach to shed skin scales
    • The skin of the hands harbors two types of bacteria: resident and transient
    • Resident bacteria are gram-positive, low virulence, not easily transmitted from hand contact, and resistant to removal by hand hygiene.
    • Transient bacteria are gram-negative bacteria, important causes of nosocomial infections, and can be removed by hand hygiene.
    • Resident bacteria make up the persistent flora of the hands
    • Resident bacteria live on the surface of the skin without causing infection.
    • When the skin is breached, resident bacteria can become opportunistic pathogens, causing wound or deep-seated infections.
    • Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common resident bacterium
    • During activities like shaking hands or touching a patient’s face, hundreds, even thousands of bacteria can be transferred onto the dentist’s hands
    • Approximately 5-10% of patients develop a healthcare-associated infection during their hospital stay.
    • 2 million patients acquire infections in hospitals annually.
    • 80,000 deaths per year are attributed to hospital-acquired infections.
    • 600,000 healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are due to the failure of healthcare workers to wash their hands after every patient.

    When to Clean Hands

    • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five moments for hand hygiene based on evidence of microbial transmission.
    • Five moments for hand hygiene:
      • Before touching a patient
      • Before clean/aseptic procedures
      • After exposure to body fluids, such as saliva or blood
      • After touching a patient
      • After touching patient surroundings

    Choosing the Correct Hand Hygiene Product

    • Hand washing is an essential part of hand hygiene.
    • Three common types of hand hygiene products are traditional hand washing with soap, antiseptic hand washes, and alcohol-based hand rubs.
    • Not all forms of hand hygiene are equally effective.
    • The choice of hand hygiene product depends on the reason for cleaning the hands.

    Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

    • Alcohol-based hand rubs contain an alcoholic solution ranging from 65% to 70% alcohol, with low or high concentrations of detergents.
    • Surfactants, such as biguanides, quaternary ammonium compounds, or peroxides, can be added to alcohol-based hand rubs.
    • Ethanol-containing products are diluted with water (10 to 40% by weight) to enhance the denaturation of microbial proteins.
    • Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol act rapidly against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive species, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
    • The (-OH) group in alcohol forms hydrogen bonds with proteins, leading to protein denaturation and loss of structure and function.
    • Alcohol lyses the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, inactivating the bacteria.
    • Vigorous rubbing with alcohol-based hand rubs for 15 seconds has been shown to be effective at preventing the transmission of gram-negative bacteria (GNB).
    • Hands should be washed for 30 seconds to allow alcohol to evaporate from the skin.
    • Alcohol evaporates completely, leaving no antiseptic residue on the skin, which helps to prevent the development of microbial resistance.

    Limitations of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

    • Alcohol-based hand rubs should only be used on visibly clean hands.
    • They are ineffective against Clostridium difficile, a bacteria that forms spores.
    • Alcohol evaporates rapidly, making its effect short-lived.

    Systemic Effects of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

    • Prolonged and repeated use of alcohol-based hand rubs can alter thyroid and reproductive systems in neonates and adolescent animals
    • Studies conducted on humans revealed detectable levels of alcohol in the blood.

    Hand Hygiene Technique

    • Remove rings and watches before performing hand hygiene, as these can harbor bacteria.
    • Silver rings inhibit bacterial growth, while gold and platinum rings do not.
    • Gloves are more likely to tear when rings are worn.
    • Artificial nails can also harbor bacteria.
    • Standard hand hygiene technique can be used with water and soap or alcohol-based hand rubs
    • The first step is to wash your hands, followed by a hand rub.
    • The hand hygiene technique targets commonly missed areas of the hands, including fingers, thumbs, cuticles, wrists, and the back of the hands.

    Surgical Hand Hygiene

    • Surgical hand hygiene requires more extensive disinfection, also known as antisepsis, to reduce resident bacteria to a minimum.
    • It is not possible to completely sterilize the skin.
    • The basic principle of surgical hand hygiene is to wash from clean to less clean.
    • Two common methods are the numbered stroke method and the timed scrub method.
    • The numbered stroke method involves scrubbing each finger, palm, back of the hand, and arm using a specific sequence.
    • The timed scrub method involves scrubbing for 5 minutes.
    • Wash hands, nails and forearms with antimicrobial disinfectant for 2 minutes.
    • Cold water prevents soap from lathering which can reduce the effectiveness of washing away dirt and germs.
    • Clean subungual areas with a brush.
    • Proceed to scrub the arms, keeping the hand higher than the arm at all times using a rotational action for 1 minute.
    • Wash the soap from your hands and forearms by holding your arms up with your hands elevated under the tap.
    • This prevents bacteria-laden soap and water from contaminating the hands.
    • Repeat the procedure on the other hand.
    • If either hand touches anything other than the brush, the scrubbing time must be extended by one minute for that area.
    • Repeat the procedure three more times, first down to the mid forearm, then to the wrists (1 minute each).
    • Keep your arms elevated.
    • Dry your hands and forearms with the sterile towels in the gowning pack using a dabbing motion.
    • Avoid vigorous scrubbing to prevent abrasions.
    • Avoid splashing water onto surgical attire.
    • Scrubbing precedes gowning and gloving.

    Goals of an Infection Control Program

    • The goals of an infection control program are to:
      • Reduce the spread of infection
      • Protect patients and staff from infection
      • Ensure the safety of the dental environment.

    Personal Hygiene

    • Practice proper personal hygiene to reduce the spread of infection.
    • Items such as nail care, jewelry, and personal attire can contribute to microbial transmission.

    Respiratory/Cough Etiquette

    • Practice respiratory hygiene to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, which can harbor infectious agents.
    • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
    • Dispose of tissues properly.
    • Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

    Protective Attire (PPE)

    • PPE is essential to protect you and your patients from infection.
    • Appropriate attire includes:
      • Gloves
      • Masks
      • Goggles
      • Headwear
      • Shoe coverings
    • Select PPE based on the specific procedures being performed and the risk of exposure.
    • PPE must be worn correctly and disposed of properly.

    Barrier Techniques

    • Use barrier techniques to minimize the spread of infection.
    • Gloves should be worn during all patient care procedures.
    • Overgloves can be worn over gloves for an extra layer of protection.
    • Masks and face shields protect against airborne and droplet transmission.
    • Eyewear protects the eyes from splashes and sprays.
    • Headwear should be worn to prevent contamination of hair.

    Preparation of the Dental Treatment Room (DTR)

    • The DTR must be prepared between patients to ensure hygiene and prevent contamination.
    • Use a safe needle system to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.
    • Prepare the DTR by:
      • Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
      • Replacing items that were used in the previous treatment session
      • Disposing of contaminated materials properly
    • Secure the DTR at the end of the day by:
      • Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
      • Disposing of contaminated materials properly
      • Covering instruments and equipment with a protective barrier

    Sterilization

    • Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms and spores.
    • Designated work areas should be set up for sterilization.
    • Receiving and cleaning are the first steps in the sterilization process.
    • Storage of sterile items is important to maintain their sterility.
    • Sterilization methods include:
      • Autoclaving
      • Dry heat sterilization
      • Chemical sterilization
    • Drying and packaging are the final steps in the sterilization process.

    References

    • Health Protection Scotland (2015) National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.
    • Loveday HP, Wilson JA, Pratta RJ et al.(2014) Epic3: national evidence‐based guidelines for preventing healthcare‐associated infections in NHS hospitals in England.Journal of Hospital Infection, 86(Suppl. 1), S1–S70.
    • Pittet D, Hugonnet S, Mourouga P et al.(2000) E ectiveness of a hospital‐wide programme to improve compliance with hand hygiene. Lancet, 356, 1307–12.
    • World Health Organization (2009) WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Healthcare.

    Final Course Output

    • Submit a laboratory infection control manual that provides instructions and protocols for the:
      • Disinfection of the dental environment
      • Hand hygiene
      • Scrub technique
      • Donning and doffing of PPE
    • The manual should include detailed information on all aspects of infection control. It should be clear, concise, and accessible to all dental staff.

    Surgical Hand Hygiene

    • Also known as surgical hand scrub
    • Two methods:
      • Washing hands with soap and water
      • Using an alcohol-based hand rub

    Surgical Hand Hygiene: True or False

    • Cold water does not promote lathering of soap effectively
    • When washing lathered soap on arms and hands, tap water should not run off into the skin from the elbows
    • A wiping motion should not be used to dry the arms and hands, air jet drying should be avoided
    • Surgical scrubbing of the hands and arms does not sterilize the skin
    • The goal of surgical hand scrub is to reduce the number of resident bacteria to a minimum
    • If the hands touch a surface, the hand scrub procedure should be lengthened for 1-5 minutes
    • The resident bacteria of the hands are microorganisms

    Personal Protective Equipment: Why Wear PPE

    • Our clothing can be contaminated with pathogens
    • Nosocomial microbes account for two-thirds of microorganisms found on clothing and normal skin flora
    • Areas that are heavily colonized and prone to splatter are the chest, forearm, and face
    • Below the waist, sleeves and pockets can be contaminated
    • Badges, lanyards, jewelry, and mobile phones kept in the pocket may be contaminated
    • Wearing a plastic apron or gown reduces contamination by forming a barrier
    • Proper masking and the usage of face shields protects mucous membranes of the eyes, the nose, and lungs

    Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves

    • Gloves should always be single-use

    • Gloves should be worn for all routine dental treatment

    • Gloves protect the hands from contamination with blood, saliva, and microorganisms

    • Gloves reduce the risk of cross infection

    • Gloves protect the hands from toxic and irritant chemicals

      Gloves: True or False

    • Gloves do not prevent sharp injuries

    • Wiping effect of gloves reduces the volume of blood to which the HCW is exposed

    • Gloves reduce the risk of inoculation or transmission of microorganisms

    • Gloves should always be worn when sterilizing, handling waste, or cleaning up spills

    Good Practices For the Use of Gloves in Dental Surgery

    • Hands must be washed before and after donning gloves
    • Gloves should never be considered as an alternative to hand washing
    • Changing gloves in between patients prevents cross infection
    • Do not touch the patient surroundings, the face, nose, or ball pen when gloves are worn
    • Never reuse single use gloves

    Good Practices For the Use of Gloves in Dental Surgery: True or False

    • Gloves should never be washed or disinfected
    • Keep glove wear to a minimum (worn immediately and removed immediately after treatment)
    • Change gloves in between long procedures
    • Hands are not necessarily clean because gloves have been worn
    • Hand hygiene is essential

    Choosing Suitable Gloves

    • Latex and nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in dentistry.
    • Both latex and nitrile gloves permit manual dexterity.
    • Both latex and nitrile gloves are impermeable to microbes.
    • Nitrile gloves should be used for those who have latex allergies
    • Latex gloves can be used for those with nitrile allergies

    Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)

    • NRL is impermeable to BBV
    • NRL gloves have a close fit
    • NRL gloves do not interfere with dexterity
    • NRL allergies are increasing
    • NRL allergies are common among dental students
    • NRL allergy sensitivity is triggered by inhalation of airborne latex aeroantigens
    • NRL allergy sensitivity can develop even after prolonged successful usage
    • NRL allergy sensitivity can be triggered by absorption through damaged skin
    • NRL is a plant product with chemicals added during fabrication for strength, elasticity, and flexibility

    Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) Allergy

    • The most common hypersensitivity reaction to NRL is type IV, delayed hypersensitivity
    • Type IV hypersensitivity reactions include contact dermatitis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis
    • Type IV reactions can occur 6-48 hours after exposure
    • The less common NRL hypersensitivity reaction is type I, immediate hypersensitivity
    • Type I reactions include asthma, urticaria, laryngeal edema, anaphylactic shock, and collapse
    • Type I reactions occur 15-30 minutes after exposure

    Managing Latex Allergies

    • Ask medical history questions about latex allergies
    • List down known allergens
    • Use latex-free gloves, rubber dam, and equipment
    • Remind patients to inform all dental staff

    Respiratory Protective Equipment

    • Required against organisms that are transmitted via droplets or airborne route
    • Two types of masks:
      • Respirator masks
      • Surgical masks
    • Neither of theses masks protect against gases
    • Masks alone do not protect a HCW
    • Adequate surgery ventilation
    • Safe working practices
    • Masks should be used in addition to immunization

    Surgical Masks

    • Fluid repellant masks that act as a barrier for the nose and upper respiratory tract
    • Surgical masks protect against sprays, splatter, and droplets
    • They do not have filtering efficiencies compared to respiratory masks

    Respirator Masks:

    • Respirator masks are used during the care of patients with respiratory infections transmitted via airborne particles
    • Respirator masks should be worn due to the influenza virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and mycobacterium tuberculosis
    • An FFP3 respirator mask is recommended

    Respirator Masks: True or False

    • Compatible eye protection should always be worn with respirator masks
    • Respirator masks offer a higher degree of personal respiratory protection compared to standard surgical masks
    • Respirator masks are designed to filter particles smaller than 5um

    Respiratory Hygiene

    • Cough etiquette protocols are necessary in practice waiting areas
    • Some patients with respiratory infections are undiagnosed
    • Patients should be seated more than 3 feet apart
    • Proximity of less than 3 feet from an infected person has been associated with increased droplet transmission of bacteria
    • Examples of bacteria that can be transmitted through droplets include neisseria meningitidis (group A streptococcus)

    Surgical Hand Hygiene

    • Also known as surgical hand scrub
    • Two methods of surgical hand hygiene:
      • Surgical hand wash
      • Surgical hand scrub
    • Cold water does not promote lathering of soap effectively
    • When washing lathered soap on arms and hands, tap water should not run off into the skin from the elbows
    • A wiping motion should not be used to dry the arms and hands, air jet drying should not be avoided
    • Surgical scrubbing of the hands and arms does not sterilize the skin, but allows for extensive disinfection
    • The goal of surgical hand scrub is to reduce the number of resident bacteria to a minimum
    • If any of the hands touch a surface, the hand scrub procedure must not be lengthened for 1 - 5 minutes
    • The resident bacteria of the hands are part of the normal flora

    Personal Protection for Prevention of Cross Infection

    • Why wear PPE?
      • Clothing can be contaminated with pathogens
      • 2/3 of microorganisms found on clothing and normal skin flora are nosocomial microbes
      • Heavily colonized areas prone to splatter include chest, forearm and face
      • Areas below the waist, sleeves and pockets can harbor microorganisms
      • During treatment, badges, lanyards, jewelry and mobile phones kept in pockets can be contaminated
      • Wearing a plastic apron or gown reduces contamination by forming a barrier
      • Proper masking and the usage of face shields protects mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and lungs
    • PPE such as aprons, impermeable gowns, goggles, masks, and disposable gloves are:
      • Single-use, discarded as hazardous infectious waste

    Gloves

    • Single-use, worn during routine dental treatment
    • Protects hands from contamination with blood, saliva and microorganisms
    • Reduces the risk of cross infection
    • Protects hands from toxic and irritant chemicals
    • Does not prevent sharp injuries
    • Wiping effect of gloves reduces the volume of blood to which the HCW is exposed
    • Reduces inoculation or transmission of microorganisms
    • During routine dental treatment gloves are worn, but gloves are not worn when sterilizing, handling waste or cleaning up spills

    Good Practices for the Use of Gloves in Dental Surgery

    • Hands must be washed before and after donning gloves
    • Never consider gloves as an alternative to hand washing
    • Changing gloves between patients prevents cross infection
    • Do not touch patient surroundings, the face, nose, or ballpen while wearing gloves
    • Never reuse single-use gloves
    • Never wash or disinfect single-use gloves, this reduces the barrier properties of gloves
    • Keep glove wear to a minimum (worn immediately and removed immediately after treatment)
    • Change gloves in between long procedures
    • Changing gloves during long procedures reduces sweating, which decreases dermal infection
    • Hands are not necessarily clean because gloves have been worn
    • Hand hygiene is important!

    Choosing Suitable Gloves

    • Latex and nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in dentistry
    • Both allow for manual dexterity and are impermeable to microbes
    • If a latex allergy exists, nitrile gloves should be used instead
    • If a nitrile allergy exists, alternatives need to be found

    Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)

    • Impermeable to BBV
    • Close fitting
    • Does not interfere with dexterity
    • Allergy to NRL has risen steadily by 6-18% (European data)
    • Common amongst dental students
    • Can develop even after prolonged successful usage
    • Sensitivity is triggered by inhalation of airborne latex aeroallergens, or via absorption through damaged skin
    • NRL is a plant product, but chemicals are added during fabrication for strength, elasticity, and flexibility
    • Delayed hypersensitivity type IV can cause contact dermatitis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. This is the most common hypersensitivity reaction to NRL and happens 6-48 hours after exposure
    • Immediate hypersensitivity type I can cause asthma, urticaria, laryngeal edema, anaphylactic shock and collapse. This occurs 15-30 minutes after exposure

    Managing Latex Allergies

    • Medical history questioning is essential
    • If allergens are known, they must be documented
    • Latex-free gloves, rubber dam and equipment should be used for these patients
    • Patients should be reminded to inform all dental staff when making an appointment

    Respiratory Protective Equipment

    • Required against organisms transmitted via droplets or airborne routes
    • Protects from particles created during aerosol generating procedures
    • Two types of masks: Respirator masks and surgical masks
    • Neither of these mask protect against gasses.
    • Masks alone do not protect a HCW. Immunization, adequate surgery ventilation and safe working practices are all important.

    Surgical Masks

    • Fluid repellent masks to act as a barrier for the nose and upper respiratory tract
    • Works against sprays, splatter, and droplets
    • Does not have filtering efficiencies compared to respirator masks

    Respirator Masks

    • Used during the care of patients with respiratory infections transmitted via airborne particles, for example:
      • Influenza virus
      • Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
      • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
    • An FFP3 respirator mask is recommended

    Respirator Masks

    • Compatible eye protection should always be worn
    • Respirator masks offer a higher degree of personal respiratory protection compared to standard surgical masks
    • Designed to filter particles smaller than 5um
    • These particles can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs, the alveoli

    Respiratory Hygiene

    • Cough etiquette protocols are necessary in waiting areas
    • Some people are undiagnosed
    • Patients should be seated more than 3 feet apart
    • Proximity of less than 3 feet from an infected person has been associated with increased droplet transmission of bacteria, such as Neisseria meningitidis (group A streptococcus)

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    Description

    This quiz explores the role of hands in harboring microorganisms that can lead to infections. It discusses the types of bacteria found on hands, the significance of resident and transient bacteria, and the importance of hand hygiene in preventing nosocomial infections. Test your knowledge on how hands contribute to microbial colonization and infection risk.

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