Infection Control Leslie Dick RN Microorganisms Microbes Small

Infection Control Leslie Dick, RN

Microorganisms / Microbes � Small eye living organisms invisible to the naked � Some beneficial…some pathogenic while some helpful � Types: virus bacteria, protozoa, fungi, rickettsiae, � Anaerobic organisms: live without oxygen (treat with hyperbaric pressure) � Aerobic: need oxygen to live

Types of Infection �Pathogenic �Opportunistic • Occurs when immune system is compromised (i. e. Aids patients) �Nosocomial • Acquired while hospitalized

Bacteria �One celled that multiply rapidly �Classified �Diseases: by shape and arrangement necrotizing fascitis, TB (airborne), gonorrhea, chlamydia

Protozoa �One celled often found in decaying materials and contaminated water �May contain flagella which aid in movement �Some are pathogenic • i. e. malaria, trichomonas

Fungi �Plantlike organism that lives on dead, organic matter �Some pathogenic: yeast, mold �Diseases from fungi: thrush (candida albicans), ringworm, athletes foot �Cannot be killed by antibiotics

Rickettsaie �Micro-parasite organism �Commonly that lives within an found in fleas, ticks, and mites �Transmitted by bite of organism �Common diseases: typhus fever, rocky mountain spotted fever �Many killed with antibiotics

Virus � Smallest � Lives living organism in other living things � Cannot reproduce without being in another living cell � Spread by blood and bodily fluids � Difficult to kill…not antibiotics…many resistant to disinfectants � i. e. hepatitis, Aids, rhino virus

Standard Precautions � Breaks the chain of infection • Most important step in preventing infection is handwashing • i. e. mouth pieces used in cpr prevent contamination � Also called Universal Precautions � Barriers used on every patient where there may be blood or body fluid exposure � i. e. gloves, mask gown (PPE = personal protective equipment)

Types of Precautions �Standard �Contact – Universal precautions – gloves, gown �Respiratory (system with portals of entry) – respirator mask �Droplet patient – requires PPE within 3 feet of

Isolation �Isolation precautions may be needed (2 persons needed to transfer things out of an isolation unit) �Protective / Reverse isolation – protects patients who are immunocompromised

Disinfection �Used for aseptic control…however does not kill spores or viruses �Typically used for instruments or items that do not penetrate body tissue (i. e. percussion hammers, thermometers)

Disinfection cont’d � Usually a chemical • 90% isopropyl alcohol (antisepsis…. inhibiting microbial • • growth…alcohol swab…can be used on skin) 10% bleach solution Lysol 15 – 30 mins in boiling water Time needed for disinfection action of a particular chemical is on the label…read a label 3 times before use! � Ultrasonic unit commonly used in dental and medical offices to disinfect • Uses sound waves to create millions of bubbles • Bubbles then hit an instrument and explode driving cleaning solution into instrument

Autoclave � Steam under pressure � Destroys ALL microbes (including spores and viruses) � Instruments must be clean and wrapped in a steam- penetrating material with an indicator strip included or wrapped around wrapping � May not be used on instruments that are sensitive to steam / water (i. e. reflex hammers…due to the rubber tip) � Takes � If usually 15 – 30 mins…expires in 30 days wrap becomes torn or wet it is contaminated

Sterilization �Frees objects from ALL microorganisms �Autoclave �Sterile is a type of sterilization = free from all microogranisms �Contaminated are present = organisms / pathogens