TL;DR
Infection Control: Practices and procedures used to prevent the spread of infectious agents in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and sterilization.
Infection Control
Definition
Practices and procedures used to prevent the spread of infectious agents in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and sterilization.
Overview
Infection control encompasses all measures taken to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The CDC estimates that HAIs affect approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients on any given day.
The chain of infection has six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any link prevents transmission.
Standard Precautions
- Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact
- PPE use based on anticipated exposure
- Safe injection practices and sharps disposal
- Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection
- Safe handling of contaminated laundry and waste
Transmission-Based Precautions
Contact precautions for MRSA and C. difficile require gowns and gloves for all patient interactions.
Droplet precautions for influenza and pertussis require a surgical mask within 3–6 feet of the patient.
Airborne precautions for tuberculosis, measles, and varicella require an N95 respirator and negative-pressure room.
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent HAIs. The WHO identifies five moments: before patient contact, before aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure, after patient contact, and after touching patient surroundings.
Alcohol-based hand rub is preferred when hands are not visibly soiled. Soap and water must be used for C. difficile, norovirus, and visibly contaminated hands.
Surgical Setting
In the OR, surgical asepsis is paramount. Surgical technologists perform a surgical hand scrub, don sterile gowns and gloves, and maintain the sterile field throughout. Any break must be identified and corrected immediately.
Sterilization is verified through mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators. Steam autoclaving at 132°C for 4 minutes (prevacuum) or 121°C for 30 minutes (gravity) is standard.
Why It Matters
Infection control is heavily tested across CNA, CST, MA, EMT, and Paramedic exams. Understanding the chain of infection, standard precautions, and transmission-based precautions is critical.
Related Terms
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