BASIC INFECTION CONTROL

Infection control includes all of the practices used to prevent the spread of
microorganisms that could cause disease in a person. Medical asepsis, sometimes referred to
as “clean technique” is the practice of techniques and procedures designed to reduce the
number of microorganisms in an area or an object and to decrease the likelihood of their
transfer. Health care workers may be in contact with a number of patients during any day, he or
she must be aware of the principles of medical asepsis to avoid transferring microorganisms
from a patient to the health care worker, from health care worker to patient, from health care
worker to co-worker or from one patient to one another. Microorganisms can also be transfers
by the way of equipment.

Intact skin is an effective barrier to microorganisms. Skin that is not intact and areas of
the body that are normally not sterile require additional precautions to prevent entry of infection-
causing microorganisms.

PRINCIPLES OF BASIC INFECTION CONTROL

How Microorganisms Spread

1. Microorganisms move on air currents. Because of this movement, avoid shaking or tossing
linens, which can create air currents on which organisms can be transported.

2. Microorganisms are transferred from one surface to another whenever objects touch.

3. When clean item touches a less clean item, it becomes “dirty” because microorganisms are
transferred to it. ( keep your hands away from own hair, face, keep linens away from uniform
and always keep clean items separate from dirty ones. )

4. Microorganisms are transferred by gravity when one item is held above one another. Avoid
passing dirty items over clean items or areas because it is possible for microorganisms to drop
off onto a clean item or area.

5. Microorganisms are released into the air on droplet nuclei whenever a person breathes or
speaks. Coughing or sneezing increases the number of microorganisms released from the
mouth and nose.

6. Microorganisms move slowly on dry surfaces but quickly through moisture.

7. Proper hand washing removes many of the microorganisms that can be transferred by the
hands from one item to another.

8. Blood borne infections may be spread to another person through contact between blood and
body substances that contain the blood borne organism and open wounds, sores, or mucous
membranes and through penetrating injuries ( such as those caused by needle sticks or cuts)
with contaminated items.