The 6 elements of infection control are:
1. Hand Hygiene: This is the most important element of infection control, and it is essential to ensure that hands are washed with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer before and after any contact with a patient or potentially contaminated surfaces.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes items such as gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and face shields. PPE is used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents and to prevent the spread of infection to patients.
3. Environmental Controls: These measures are used to reduce or eliminate sources of infection, such as proper cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces, as well as proper waste management.
4. Safe Injection Practices: This refers to the use of single-use needles and syringes to prevent the transmission of infection.
5. Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps: This includes the safe handling and disposal of needles, syringes, and other sharp medical instruments to prevent needle-stick injuries and the spread of infection.
6. Patient Education: This is an important element of infection control, as it involves educating patients about how to protect themselves from infection. This includes discussing proper hand hygiene techniques, use of PPE, and safe disposal of medical waste.