Infection Control, Medical Asepsis, and Sterilization

The Immune System

• Destroys foreign substances and organisms that enter the body.

• Includes other proteins and chemicals that assist antibodies and T cells.

• Body also has several other mechanisms that fight antigen.

The Immune System

Other defenses include– Coughing– Sneezing (automatic reflex to rid body of

irritation)– Inflammation• The increased flow of blood and fluid to the area brings

phagocytes and other infection righting cells to take care of any toxins or other antigens in the area.

Defense Mechanisms

• Physical Barriers – skin provides both a physical and chemical barrier against the outside world; shields blood vessels, nerves, muscles, organs, and bones.

*Gland beneath the skin produce an enzyme that helps kill bacteria.

Stages of Infection1. The incubation stage – (silent stage) the

pathogen has gained entry into the host and starts replicating.

2. The prodromal stage – itchy, runny nose, dry eyes, etc.

3. The peak stage – (clinical stage) the disease reaches its highest point of development. Ex. Severe aches, chills, vomiting, etc.

4. The recovery stage – symptoms have all but completely vanished; pathogen has been mostly eliminated.

Disease Transmission• Direct contact (touching the exudate from a person

with an infected wound).• Airborne transmissions (inhaling the microorganism

into the susceptible host’s respiratory system).• Blood borne transmission (infected blood enters

susceptible host).• Ingestion (eating or drinking contaminated items).• Indirect contact (microorganism on a fomite, a non

living object such as a table of piece of equipment that can absorb and transmit infection).

• Vector (a carrier of disease, usually an insect).

Chain of Infection

• ReservoirPlace where organisms

grow and reproduce

Nemo has germs!

Chain of Infection

• Exit from Reservoirescape route for the organisms (nose, throat, mouth, ears, etc.)

Nemo Sneezes, releasing his germs

Chain of Infection

• Vehicle of Transmissionmeans by which the organism is transported

Nemo’s bubbles transport the germs

Chain of Infection

• Portal of Entrypart of body organisms enter (mouth, nose, genitourinary tract, etc.)

Bubbles chases the bubbles, pops them, and gets Nemo’s germs!!!

Chain of Infection

• Susceptible Hostperson whose body cannot fight off the organism and becomes ill

Bubbles becomes ill

Chain of Infection

• The chain starts over, and the susceptible host becomes the new reservoir

Bubbles heals, but still carries Nemo’s germs

Process of Infection• Caused by pathogenic microorganisms that

are capable of causing disease.Consists of:– Microorganisms – are microscopic living creatures

capable of reproduction and transmission in specific circumstances. (not all cause diseases)

– Pathogens – microorganisms that can cause infectious disease.

– Normal Flora – used to recognize the beneficial role of microorganisms, they normally occupy space and use nutrients in our body.

Process of Infection

• Growth requirements for microorganisms.– Oxygen – most pathogenic microbes need oxygen.– Lack of oxygen – anaerobic (need no oxygen). Ex.

tetnus gangreen– Moisture – microorganisms grow well in moist

environments.– Nutrition – body supplies nutrients.– Temperature – 98.6 ⁰F is best temp.– Darkness – body cavities and organs provide this.– Neutral or Slightly alkaline pH – body’s pH is neutral.

Principles of Infection

• Medical Asepsis – Does not mean that an object or a an area is free from all microorganisms.

• Commonly known as the CLEAN TECHNIQUES.

• Prevents transmissions of microorganisms from one person or area to any other within the healthcare facility.

• HANDWASHING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT

• WEAR PPE EQUIPMENT

• CONSIDER FLOORS ALWAYS CONTAMINATED.

Principles of Infection

Sterilization• Complete elimination of all forms of microbial

bacteria.• Sterilization is the highest level of Surgical

Asepsis.

Sterilization

• Can be achieved through physical and chemical means– Heat/boil– Formaldehyde– Etholineoxide– Autoclave (most popular)

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

• “OSHA is the federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of all workers, including those in health care.”

• Enforces federal regulations

OSHA Regulations

• Health and Safety Policies must be put in a Policy & Procedure Manual, or in a separate Infection Control Manual

• All policies must be readily available to employees and OSHA representatives

• The manual must have CLEAR instructions on preventing employee exposure and reducing the danger of exposure to biohazardous materials

Sources• http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTayVDlX4RtAwGSLMQoKG-wT7EtFUK9YRiED_F9jUd1NeY0vtfH• http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTPMXzx068HvlrBVwHFtqSSvOuVsODmYvySIz2WFFn5PvAsxpC• _http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQMjYGwF0BLexEJZYLoBCOyRocoLLfBWFk0ztsF0E2km7XZtzeI• http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSwmzQ4B_VzZEBDdj5-m9UjzYaoERxxpIcS-hfcA-A9vDNVb_TOiQ• http://formula457.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/mybubblesbgf.jpg• http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQogqqDmZtIF6jipKyDkqWgAFtj2ICu2N04nCdSQOjyGSiAy7xS0yml-ts4SA• http://www.world-wide-art.com/images/Walt-Disney-Storybooks/Finding-Nemo-Tank-Gang.jpg• http://c0365781.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/datas/2916/original/osha.jpg• http://batikmania.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/washing_hands.jpg• http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7hSZflM8o1d0rCwgR4v_f8roqymIujZmv12_R1uh9iEpYpAaeiA• http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTy7u9rkM8ydKJnblPC0D0NMm7ec9So6L5cVhj7UuaeRNxiWYy7EA• http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTYnoAw_tvfBQW1X86foAC68DySVFiWScQOCBpt4B7wGsRwWnwxsg• http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQx0o7M_fnzyh2sa225ag9mai-14yrJUZELM7muNfWufhS4JGMg• http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRW4mRBkjVOik9lsvKwDBCOi0enAXme34H3wNFEGuboBDA79JBI•