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Category: Standard Precautions

Topics

Reprocessing of Medical Instruments and Equipment

What Is It? Generally, residential aged care facilities would not use items that require sterilisation for reuse. Disposable single-use equipment and dressing items would generally be used. However, if items need to be sterilised, then a suitable service provider must be sourced by the facility which is able to/must comply with...

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to various barriers used alone or in combination to protect mucous membranes, airways, skin, and clothing from contact with infectious agents. The type of personal protective barrier selected by healthcare workers in the residential aged care facility depends on the risk assessment. Consider the risk...

Hand Care

What Is It? Intact skin is a natural defense against infection, so having cuts and abrasions reduce the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices. Breaks or skin lesions are possible sources of entry for infectious agents and may also be a source of infection.  Important Points To Remember Check your skin...

Storage of Vaccines

What Is It? Vaccines are fragile, biological substances. They can become less effective, more dangerous, or even destroyed if exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range - between +2°C and +8°C. This 'cold chain' begins when the vaccine is made and ends when the vaccine is administered.  In order to ensure...

PPE when Showering or Bathing a resident

Showering or bathing a resident may pose a risk of exposure to infectious organisms through close contact with the resident, contamination through water splashes, or exposure to blood or body fluids. Managing the task well will help to prevent exposure.  A risk assessment before starting the task will enable decisions to...

Aseptic Technique

What Is It? The aseptic technique is an important patient safety strategy and a key element of standard precautions. The aseptic technique is a set of practices that protect residents from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protects healthcare workers from contact with blood, body fluid, and body tissue. When performed correctly...