Login

Category: Standard Precautions

Topics

Single-Use Equipment

What Is It? Single-use equipment minimises the risks of cross-infection. Many medical devices are difficult to reprocess and render safe for use on another person. The manufacturer labels these devices as 'single-use,' and they cannot be reused in any way.  A single-use device is used on an individual patient during a single...

Hand Hygiene

What Is It? Hand hygiene is a general term referring to any action of hand cleaning and includes The washing of hands systematically by rubbing all surfaces of lathered hands vigorously with a mild liquid handwash for 10-15 seconds under running water and drying with single-use paper towels or cloths....

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...

Environmental Cleaning

Environmental cleaning is an essential part of standard precautions. Standard precautions are work practices that constitute the first-line approach to infection prevention and control (IPC) in all healthcare settings. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are often preventable through the use of standard precautions and targeted interventions that reduce the risk of the...

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...