Infection Control/Universal Precautions
Infection control is concerned with preventing the spread of infectious germs from individuals or objects to each other. Remember Hand Washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.
- Always wash your hands before and after patient care
- Wash your hands in between glove changes
- After touching excretions (stool/urine) and/or secretions from wounds, skin infections, etc.
A sharps container for needles will be placed in your home and replaced when ¾ full or monthly. Do not try to force the contents into the box. Needles must never be thrown in you personal trash.
Occasionally it is important to use. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, goggles, etc., to protect yourself from the spread of infection. Your nurse will assist you in determining what protective equipment is required.
Gloves, Protective Eyewear, Mask and Gowns
These should be worn during procedures that may generate droplets in the air, like splashing of blood or other body fluids. All or some these may be needed when administering wound care, tracheotomy care or when suctioning a patient. Again ask your nurse about the equipment you will need to use.
Instructions for Handling Biomedical Waste
If the waste is saturated with blood or with body fluids that contain visible blood, place in a red bag provided by HospiceCare of SE FL, Inc., Examples of biomedical waste – dressings full of blood or a diaper with bloody urine.
- Do not overfill the red bag. When the bag is ½ to ¾ full secure it and start another bag.
- Do not place any other trash in the red bag except waste saturated with blood or body fluid that contains visible blood.
- Do not remove contaminated items from the red bag.
- All other medical waste is to be double-bagged and placed in your regular household garbage.
Wash laundry in hot soapy water with one cup of bleach to a full load of water (linens, towels, pajamas, etc.). Dry on the highest setting.
Remember: Biomedical waste should never be placed where a child or animal can get into it.
Remember always call hospice if you have any questions about handling biomedical waste.
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