The five standards of infection control are the cornerstone of any effective infection prevention and control program. These standards are designed to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and protect both healthcare workers and patients.
The first standard of infection control is hand hygiene. This involves proper and frequent handwashing with soap and water or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This is especially important when working with patients or in contaminated areas. It is also important to use gloves for any patient contact.
The second standard of infection control is environmental cleaning and disinfection. This involves cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment that have come into contact with patients or contaminated materials. All surfaces must be cleaned regularly with an appropriate disinfectant and all reusable equipment must be decontaminated between uses.
The third standard of infection control is personal protective equipment (PPE). Appropriate PPE must be worn at all times when working with patients and contaminated surfaces. This includes gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and head coverings.
The fourth standard of infection control is the safe handling, transport, and disposal of potentially infectious materials. This involves the proper use and disposal of sharps, such as needles and scalpels, as well as the proper disposal of any contaminated materials.
The fifth standard of infection control is the proper use of cleaning and disinfecting agents. This involves the use of appropriate concentration of cleaning and disinfecting agents for the type of surface being cleaned and the type of microorganism present.
These five standards of infection control are essential for reducing the spread of infection and protecting both healthcare workers and patients. Proper adherence to these standards will help to ensure a safe and healthy healthcare environment.