Establishing Standard Infection Control Precautions

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  Handwashing sign_0313 Slideshow

  Step Two: Post signs in languages appropriate to the population served with instructions to patients and their accompanying family and friends.

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  Hand hygiene_0313 Slideshow

  Standard infection control precautions consist of appropriate hand hygiene and the use of gloves, gown, mask and eye protection or face shield. Clinicians should wash hands for a minimum of 10-15 seconds at the beginning and end of each shift, before and after each patient, before and after wearing gloves, prior to invasive procedures, after potential contact with microorganisms and whenever soiled.

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  Autoclave_0313 Slideshow

  Equipment or items in the patient environment likely to have been contaminated with infectious body fluids must be handled in a manner to prevent transmission of infectious agents. This includes containing heavily soiled equipment, and properly cleaning and disinfecting or sterilizing reusable equipment before use on another patient.

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  Coughing patient_0313 Slideshow

  A five-step respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette strategy should be implemented to target any person with signs of illness including cough, congestion, rhinorrhea, or increased production of respiratory secretions when entering a healthcare facility.

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  Staff Meeting_0313 Slideshow

  Step One: Educating healthcare facility staff, patients, and visitors about hygiene and cough etiquette. Understanding the principles and rationale behind recommended practices facilitate appropriate decision-making and promote adherence when healthcare workers are faced with new circumstances.

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  Cough etiquette_0313 Slideshow

  Step Three: Source control measures, such as covering the mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing, prompt disposal of used tissues, using surgical masks on the coughing person when tolerated and appropriate

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  Handwashing diagram_0313 slideshows

  Step Four: Appropriate hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions. This graphic shows the most commonly missed areas during handwashing.

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  Patient Quarantine_0313 Slideshow

  Step Five: Implement spatial separation of persons with respiratory infections in common waiting areas, ideally >3 feet, when possible.