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Infection Control Methods
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Sterilization




Sterilization refers to any process that eliminates or kills all forms of life, including transmissible agents, from a surface or medium. It is used for critical instruments that come into contact with sterile body tissues or vascular systems.




Droplet Precautions




Droplet Precautions include measures to prevent the spread of pathogens spread through large particle droplets. They involve wearing a mask and sometimes eye protection when within 3 feet of the patient. Often used for diseases like influenza and pertussis.




Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)




Personal Protective Equipment includes garments like gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection designed to protect the wearer from infection. PPE is used in healthcare settings during procedures that may expose individuals to bloodborne pathogens or infectious materials.




Contact Precautions




Contact Precautions are measures taken to prevent the spread of diseases that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient’s environment. It includes the use of gloves and gowns and is often used for MRSA or VRE infections.




Aseptic Technique




Aseptic Technique is a set of specific practices and procedures performed under carefully controlled conditions with the goal of minimizing contamination by pathogens. It is used in operating rooms, during catheter insertions, and in the preparation of sterile medications.




Outbreak Investigation




Outbreak Investigation is the process of systematically gathering and analyzing data to understand the epidemiology of a disease outbreak and to implement control measures. It is used by public health professionals when there is a sudden increase in disease incidence.




Waste Disposal




Waste Disposal involves the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of waste materials that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. It is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections.




Environmental Cleaning




Environmental Cleaning refers to the regular, thorough cleaning of shared spaces, surfaces, or equipment to remove pathogens and prevent healthcare-associated infections. It is an essential part of daily operations in healthcare facilities.




Surgical Scrub




Surgical Scrub is a systematic, antiseptic washing of the hands and forearms before performing a surgical procedure. It is used by healthcare personnel to maintain a germ-free environment during surgeries.




Antibiotic Stewardship




Antibiotic Stewardship involves the optimal selection, dosage, and duration of an antibiotic treatment to maximize cure and minimize the emergence of antibiotic resistance. It is used in healthcare settings to ensure the proper use of antibiotics.




Vaccination




Vaccination is the administration of a vaccine to stimulate an individual’s immune response against a specific disease. It is used widely in public health to induce immunity and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.




Standard Precautions




Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. They apply to all patients in healthcare settings.




Hand Antisepsis




Hand Antisepsis is the process of applying an antiseptic hand rub to reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the hands. It is used as an alternative to handwashing, especially when quick action is required or in the absence of water sources.




Airborne Precautions




Airborne Precautions aim to prevent diseases transmitted by smaller droplets that remain infectious over time and distance. They involve the use of N95 respirators and air-handling systems. Used for TB, measles, and varicella.




Hand Hygiene




Hand Hygiene refers to the practice of washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of infections. It is used frequently in all settings, particularly in healthcare to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).




Isolation




Isolation involves separating individuals who are infected with a communicable disease from those who are healthy to prevent the spread of infections. Used in hospitals for patients with highly contagious or airborne diseases.




Quarantine




Quarantine is the restriction of movement of people who may have been exposed to a communicable disease but are not yet symptomatic. It helps to reduce the spread of the disease during the incubation period.




Universal Gloving




Universal Gloving refers to the practice of wearing gloves in all healthcare interactions to reduce the risk of contaminating hands with pathogens and prevent disease transmission. Used in certain settings during outbreaks or with highly resistant organisms.




Barrier Precautions




Barrier Precautions are methods used to create a barrier between the healthcare worker and potential sources of infection such as blood or bodily fluids. This includes the use of PPE and is essential during procedures with a risk of splashes or sprays.




Disinfection




Disinfection is the process of eliminating most pathogenic organisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. It is used for medical equipment that comes into contact with the skin but not mucous membranes.
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