Infection Control

Standard Precautions
in Health Care
By: Jesus S. Mueco,RN,EMT
Obj
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ecti 02
To be able to know how Infections spread

ves 03
To be able to understand the Infection control
standard precautions in Health care.

To know the key elements in Standard Precautions.

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 INFECTION-an
TERMINOLOGIES
invasion of the body
tissue by
microorganisms and
their proliferation.
ASEPSIS- the absence of disease
producing microorganisms

SEPSIS-the presence of infection

SEPTICEMIA-transport of an
infection or the products of
infection throughout the body
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or by blood.
 MEDICAL ASEPSIS- “Clean Technique”
-Practices designed to reduce the number and transfer of
pathogens.

SURGICAL ASEPSIS-”Sterile Technique”

-Practices that render and keep objects and areas free from
microorganisms.

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 CARRIER- A person or an animal, who is
without signs of illness but who harbor
pathogens within his body that can be
transferred to another.
CONTACT- A person or an animal known or
believed to have been exposed to a disease.

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RESERVIOR- the natural habitat for
the growth and multiplication of
microorganisms.
PATHOGEN- a disease producing
microorganism

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 MODE OF TRANSMISSION
1. Contact Transmission
A. Direct Contact-involves immediate and direct transfer
from person to person (body surface-to-body surface).
Ex.healthcare personnel to clients during bathing, dressing
change, insertion of tubes and catheter.
B. Indirect Contact- occurs when a susceptible host is
exposed to a contaminated object such as dressing,
needle and surgical instrument
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2. Droplet Transmission- occurs when
mucous membrane of the nose and
mouth are exposed to secretions of
an infected person who is coughing,
sneezing,laughing or talking usually
within 3 feet.
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3. Vehicle Transmission-involves the
transfer of microorganisms by way of
vehicles or contaminated items that
transmit pathogens.
Ex. Food,water,milk,blood, eating
utensils, pillowa,mattress

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4. AIRBORNE Transmission-occurs when
fine particles are suspended in the air
for a long time when dust particles
contain pathogens.
Air current disperses microorganism,
which can be inhaled or deposited on
the skin of a susceptible hosts.
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 5. Vectorborne Transmission-
Biologic vectors-are animals like rat,
snails, mosquito.
Mechanical vectors-are inanimate
objects that are infected with infected
body fluids like contaminated needles
and syringes
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 How Infections spread?
Germs are part of everyday life and are
found in our air, soil, water, and in and
our bodies.

Some germs are helpful, others are

harmful.
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 How do infections occur
An infection occurs when germs enters the
body, increase in number, and cause a
reaction of the body. 3 things are necessary
for an infection to occur.
1.Source
2.Transmission
3. Susceptible person 13
 Source
Is an infectious agent or germ and refers to a virus, bacteria, or other microbe.

In healthcare settings, people are one source of germs.

- Patients
- HCW
- Visitors/ household members

People can be sick with symptoms of an infection.

Germs are also found in the healthcare environment.

- Dry surface in patient care areas (Bed rails, medical equipment etc.)
- Wet surfaces (sinks, faucet and equipment such as ventilators)
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- Indwelling medical devices (Catheter, IV lines)
 Susceptible Person
Is someone who is not vaccinated or otherwise immune, or a person with a
weakened immune system who has a way for the germs to enter the body.

IV Catheter, surgical incisions can provide entryway.

Factors that can increase susceptibility to infections:

- Patients in healthcare who have underlying medical conditions (DM, Ca, organ
transplantation.
- Medications used to treat medical conditions. (Antibiotics, steroid, Ca Meds.
- Lifesaving medical treatment an procedures used in healthcare such as Urinary
catheters, tube, and surgery increase the risk of some type of infections.

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 Transmission
Germs don’t move themselves. Germs depend on people, the environment and or
medical equipment to move in healthcare settings.

General ways that germs travel in Healthcare settings.

- Contact moves germs by touch
- Sprays and splashes when infected person coughs and sneezes.
Droplets- carry germs short distances Approx. 6 feet) can land on eyes, nose,
mouth.
- Inhalation- when germs are aerosolized in tiny particles that survive air currents
over great distances. Airborne transmission can occur when the patient cough,
talk or sneeze germs into the air or germs are aerosolized by medical equipment.
- Sharp injuries can lead to infections. When bloodborne pathogens enters a
person through a skin puncture by a used needle or sharp Instrument. 16
 Background

Standard Precautions are meant to

reduce the risk of transmission of
bloodborne and other pathogens
from both recognized and
unrecognized sources.
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 Infection Control

Hand Hygiene is a major component

of standard precautions and one of
the most effective methods to
prevent transmission of pathogens. In
addition to hand hygiene, the use of
PPE. 18
Infection Control

The control of spread of pathogens

from the source is key to avoid
transmission. Respiratory
hygiene/cough etiquette is now
considered part of standard
precautions. 19
 Things to remember
❑Promotion of a safety climate is a cornerstone of
prevention of transmission of pathogens in health care
❑Standard precautions should be the minimum level of
precautions used when providing care for all patients.
❑Risk Assessment is critical. Assess all Health care activities
to determine the PPE that is indicated.
❑Implement source control measures for all persons with
respiratory symptoms through promotion of respiratory
hygiene and cough etiquette. 2
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 KEY ELEMENTS
Hand Hygiene
➢ 40-60 secs for Handwashing
➢ 20-30 secs for hand rubbing
➢ Before and after any direct patient contact and between patients.
➢ Immediately after the gloves are removed.
➢ Before handling invasive device.
➢ After touching blood, body fluids, secretions etc.
➢ During patient care
➢ After contact with inanimate objects in the immediate vicinity of
the patient. 21
 KEY ELEMENTS

Gloves
➢Wear when touching blood, body fluids, secretions,
excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin.
➢Change between tasks and procedures on the same patient
after contact with potentially infectious material.
➢Remove after use, before touching non-contaminated
items and surfaces.
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 KEY ELEMENTS

Facial Protection (Eyes, Nose, Mouth)

➢Wear a surgical or procedure mask and eye
protection (Face shield/goggles) to protect mucous
membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during
activities that are likely to generate splashes or
sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions.
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KEY ELEMENTS

Gown
➢Wear to protect skin and prevent soiling of clothing
during activities that are likely that are likely to generate
splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions,
excretions.
➢Remove soiled gown as soon as possible and perform
hand hygiene. 2
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 KEY ELEMENTS

Prevention of needle stick injuries

➢Handling needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or
devices.

➢Cleaning used instruments

➢Disposing of used needles.

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KEY ELEMENTS

Respiratory Hygiene and Cough

Etiquette
➢Cover nose and mouth when coughing/sneezing
with tissue or mask, dispose of used tissues and
masks, and perform hand hygiene after the
contact with respiratory secretions. 2
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KEY ELEMENTS

Environmental Cleaning
➢Use adequate procedures for routine
cleaning and disinfection of
environmental and other frequently
touched surface. 27
KEY ELEMENTS

Linens
➢Prevents skin and mucous membrane exposures
and contamination of clothing

➢Avoid transfer of pathogens to other patients and

or the environment. 2
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 KEY ELEMENTS

Waste Disposal
➢ Ensure safe waste management.

➢ Treat waste contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions,

excretions as clinical waste.

➢ Human Tissues and Laboratory waste that is directly associated

with specimen processing should also be treated as clinical waste.
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➢ Discard single used items properly.

 KEY ELEMENTS

Patient Care Equipment

➢ Handle equipment soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions,
excretions in a manner that prevents skin and mucous membrane
exposures, contamination of clothing, and transfer of pathogens to
other patients or the environment.

➢ Clean, disinfect, and reprocess reusable equipment appropriately

before use with another patient.
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 CONCLUSIONS
The two basic goals of Infection
Control are to protect the patient and
health care personnel from infection.
Infection Control starts with Standard
Precautions. 31
REFERENCES

● World Health Organization- Infection Control Standard Precautions in Health care

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OUR TEAM
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QUESTIONS?

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MA’AM JOAN

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THANKS
Does anyone have any questions?

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