PRINCIPLES OF BASIC INFECTION CONTROL

Humans are surrounded by a number of microorganisms, most of which are completely harmless and some of which are beneficial and even necessary for our existence. At times, however, our interaction with microbes can lead to an infection.
Infection control is a discipline that applies epidemiologic and scientific principles and statistical analysis to the prevention or reduction in rates of infections. Infection control includes all of the practices used to prevent the spread of microorganisms that could cause disease or infection in a person. Contact can happen in a number of different ways.

1. Microorganisms move on air currents. Shaking or tossing linens should be avoided.

2. Microorganisms are transferred from one surface to another whenever objects touch. Sterile to sterile; unsterile to unsterile technique.

3. Microorganisms are transferred by gravity from one item is held above another. No passing of dirty items over clean items.

4. Microorganisms are released into the air on droplet nuclei whenever a person breathes or speak. Mask is needed.

5. Microorganisms move slowly on dry surface and quickly through moisture. Maintain your items dry and clean.

6. Proper handwashing removes many microorganisms that can be transferred by the hands from one item to another.

7. 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 ang through penetrating injuries (cuts or needle sticks) with contaminated items. Face masks and eye protection should be worn where there is a risk of blood and other body fluids splashing into the face and eyes.

Medical asepsis is the practice of techniques and procedures designed to reduce the number of microorganisms in an area or on an object and to decrease the likelihood of transfer. The practice of medical asepsis helps to contain infectious organisms and to maintain an environment free from contamination. The techniques used to maintain medical asepsis include hand washing, gowning and wearing facial masks when appropriate, as well as separating clean from contaminated or potentially contaminated materials and providing information to patients about basic hygienic practices. Appropriate hand washing by the nurse and the patient remains the most important factor in preventing the spread of microorganisms.