The 10 principles of infection prevention are essential to maintaining a healthy and safe environment. These principles are based on the latest evidence and best practices to reduce the spread of infection and protect the public.
1. Follow Standard Precautions: Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of infection by preventing the transmission of microorganisms. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks, washing hands with soap and water, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
2. Implement Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is the single most important infection prevention measure. This includes washing hands with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and avoiding contact with contaminated objects.
3. Use Appropriate Disinfectants: Disinfectants are used to kill microorganisms on surfaces and equipment. It is important to use the correct disinfectant for the type of surface or equipment being disinfected.
4. Practice Environmental Cleaning: Environmental cleaning involves cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, objects, and other surfaces in the environment. This includes routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects that come into contact with people.
5. Monitor Infection Control Practices: Infection control practices need to be monitored to ensure they are effective. This includes monitoring hand hygiene practices, environmental cleaning, and the use of appropriate disinfectants.
6. Educate Healthcare Personnel: Healthcare personnel need to be educated on the importance of infection prevention and the proper use of PPE. This includes providing training on hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and use of PPE.
7. Practice Safe Injection Practices: Safe injection practices are necessary to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This includes using sterile needles, properly disposing of needles, and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces.
8. Promote Vaccination: Vaccination is an important measure to reduce the risk of infection in healthcare settings. Vaccinating healthcare personnel and patients can help reduce transmission of certain diseases.
9. Monitor Antimicrobial Use: Antimicrobial use needs to be monitored to ensure that it is being used appropriately. This includes monitoring for antibiotic resistance, which can increase the risk of infection.
10. Participate in Surveillance: Surveillance is an important measure to detect and track infectious diseases. Healthcare personnel should participate in local, state, and national surveillance activities to help identify and control outbreaks of infections.
By following these 10 principles of infection prevention,