Routine practices (RP) for infection control are the foundation for preventing transmission of infection in all settings. RP are based on the idea that a health professional does not always know when a person has an infectious disease. All people are treated as if they are infectious because microorganisms are always present on the skin, nose, throat, and in bodily fluids and can be transferred from one person to another.
The elements of RP include:
Hand hygiene reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands, and is the most important practice to prevent the spread of infection.
The type of personal protective equipment (PPE) chosen depends on the situation and what you are going to do with the patient i.e., take blood or change a dressing. The selection of gowns, gloves, masks, and face protection should take into consideration the chance of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids and excretions, and route of transmission (i.e., cough).
Gloves are used as an additional measure to, but not a substitute for, hand hygiene. Put gloves on directly before the task or procedure you need to do if contact with blood and other body fluids, mucous membranes, or broken skin is likely. Wear gloves when handling items visibly soiled with blood or other bodily fluids.
Remove gloves immediately after completion of the task and perform hand hygiene. Do not wash or reuse single-use, disposable gloves.
Gowns are used to protect uncovered skin and to prevent soiling of clothes during tasks likely to generate sprays of blood and other bodily fluids. Sleeves should be long enough to cover the wrist and have a cuff for snug fit. A moisture proof gown should be used when large volumes of blood and bodily fluids may be encountered.
Immediately remove the gown after completion of the task. Gowns must be worn once only and then disposed or laundered. Perform hand hygiene after removal.
Regular procedure masks and eye protection are worn to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during activities that may generate splashes, sprays or aerosols of blood or other bodily fluids.
Masks and eye protection are worn within 2 metres (6 feet) of a coughing client. Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing masks or eye protection.
Prescription eyeglasses are not considered eye protection. They do not provide adequate protection from splashes or sprays. Eye protection should fit over prescription glasses.
Simple steps you can take to minimize the spread of respiratory organisms:
Revised: 2011-11-23