Universal Safety (Health) Precautions
Universal Safety (Health) Precautions
Universal Safety (Health) Precautions
Feces, Nasal secretions, Sputum, Sweat, Tears, Urine / Vomitus, Saliva unless blood stained.
HAND WASHING
There is no Health precaution like Hand washing. Washing with simple toilet soap - reduces the rate of transmission of common infections including the HIV.
In prolonged contact with patient. Before taking care of Immune supressed,New born infants, patients in ICU / ICCU, Dialysis Units, Burns Units. Before and after touching wounds. When Microbial contamination of Hands, likely to occur when in contact with mucous membranes, body fluids, and other secretions contaminated with Blood, and serous fluids.
In most circumstances Non medicated soaps and detergents are effective in removing most transient contaminants. In demanding circumstances, in handling potentially harmful infections, use Ethyl or Isopropyl alcohol. Detergent formulations containing Chlorhexidine Povidone,or Hexachlorophene are effective in prevention of spread of infections.
Use of Gloves
Use of a pair of disposable plastic gloves can protect if chances of contact with Blood or Body fluid is anticipated/inevitable.
Will certainly protect us from splashes of Blood or Body fluids. Don't underestimate the importance of Use of Cap and Mask. It equally protects our patients.
Stringent use of Mask and Cap can save several Lives in the Hospital
Wearing foot wear covering entire sole protects the entry of Microbes from the contaminated floors with Blood and Body fluids. Remember many of us have cracks on our feet.
A simple thin Plastic apron underneath the linen is of great help in preventing the soaking our inner clothes and exposure to harmful microbes.
Consider all Needle stick injuries as a serious health hazard in the era of AIDS All events of Needle stick injuries to be reported to the supervisory staff. Wash the injured areas with soap and water. Encourage bleeding if any. Prophylaxis for prevention of HIV/HBV is top priority. Anti retroviral prophylaxis, if necessary should started within 2 hours, ( if injury is from HIV positive or high risk group).
HIV HBV and HCV viral infections can spread by Needle stick Injuries Nursing staff are at greater risk Several Injuries are preventable
Care of Endoscopes
Endoscopes are delicate/precious instruments. Follow the instruction of Manufacturers. It is commonly cleaned with 2 % Glutaraldehyde solution. Specified time schedules to be followed to decontaminate for HIV. Mycobacterium needs even > 2 hours for decontmination.
It is a concern all should be cared equally. HIV infected carries the risk of being neglected at the time of crisis. Law many not change for equality but motivated health workers should bring in change of attitude. Adherence of Universal Health precaution bring in safety to all HCW. Follow the precautions even in Non HIV patients as some of our patients are in window period and more dangerous than truly positive with Sero testing.
Universal precaution apply to all our patients irrespective of Blood tests we undertake. We handle so many patients in emergency situation with out any details. Education on Universal precautions participation of you and educating your subordinates/Juniors will make a lot of Difference in the work Environment.
All HCWs who participate in invasive procedures must routinely use appropriate barrier precautions. All Health care workers who perform/assist vaginal, and cesarean deliveries should wear gloves and gowns when handling, the placenta, and the new born, till blood and amniotic fluid has been removed from infants. Amniotic fluid is rich in HIV/HBV virus, in infected mothers.
Blood,Saliva,Gingival fluid from all Dental patients should be considered infective, Dental, workers should wear surgical mask, gloves and eye wear
Primary health care workers who handle the patients in Emergencies, and Accidents to be trained in basic principles of Universal Health care precautions. Mouth to Mouth resuscitation is life saving in the Critically injured accident victims. May be neglected because of fear of HIV infection. If the situation warrants, Bleeding from mouth can be wiped out with clean cloth, or Handkerchief, and still one can do resuscitation.
Created for benefit of Medical and Paramedical Health care workers in the Developing world Dr.T.V.Rao, MD E mail : [email protected]