Transcript Infection Control, Medical Asepsis, and Sterilization[1].

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 Infection
1. 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
• Reservoir
Place where
organisms
grow and
reproduce
Nemo has germs!
Chain of Infection
• Exit from Reservoir
escape route for the
organisms (nose,
throat,
mouth, ears, etc.)
Nemo Sneezes,
releasing his germs
Chain of Infection
• Vehicle of Transmission
means by which the organism is transported
Nemo’s bubbles
transport the
germs
Chain of Infection
• Portal of Entry
part of body organisms
enter (mouth, nose,
genitourinary tract,
etc.)
Bubbles chases
the bubbles,
pops them, and
gets Nemo’s
germs!!!
Chain of Infection
• Susceptible Host
person 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.
Principles of Infection
• HANDWASHING IS
THE MOST
IMPORTANT
• WEAR PPE
EQUIPMENT
• CONSIDER FLOORS
ALWAYS
CONTAMINATED.
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